Slander/Gossip continued...

We know that slander and gossip come from the heart (Matthew 15:19), so what is the solution? We need to 1) Follow the example of Christ (1 Peter 2:22-23), 2) Speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), 3) Edify others (Eph. 4:29) and 4) Have a soft answer in conflict (Prov. 15:1). What are some practical guidelines to help against slander and gossip? We shared some today, but would like to hear from you.

Slander/Gossip

Slander and gossip are two words which can give us the "shivers" as we know the destructiveness of them! The word for slander is the same word that is used to describe Satan who is the "father of lies" (John 8:44). To slander is to side with Satan to oppose the cause of God! Scripture tells us that God hates a lying tongue (Prov. 6:16,19), that false teachers and the unsaved are slanderers (1 Tim. 6:3-4, Rom. 1:28-30) and that we are commanded to keep our lips from evil (Psalm 34:13). We know the truth, but why do we have such a problem with slander and gossip? Why is it that our tongue gets us into so much trouble in this area?