No Gossiping in the Halls

"Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends."  - Proverbs 17:9

How many friends have been lost because of a disagreement on an act of unrighteousness?  I have heard so many times - "Loose lips sink ships", or "Snitches get stitches", and what that person gains in their actions.  This verse is "He who covers a transgression seeks love, ...." (KJV), and this makes it even more meaningful.  When your neighbor sins, are you the first to tell your other neighbor or a friend?  Why?  What are you to gain by disclosing the sinful action of one person to another?

Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God."  All means all.  You, me, my co-worker, my children, my parents, and even my Pastor.  We have all sinned in life, despite all of our attempts not to.  This separates us from God; it should not also separate us from each other.  Certainly, there are those "offenses" that bring harm to others, and must be brought to the attention of the authorities, but as Jesus told the Pharisees and Sadducees, "You, without sin, cast the first stone..." when looking upon the woman caught in the act of adultery. 

We are asked by our Lord and Savior to follow His command - "Love God with all of your heart, soul, and your spirit, and love others as yourself."  This is good advice.  Love them, forgive them, let God work out the judgment part in His due time.  In 1 Peter 4:8, we read, "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."  Become a strong friend to theother by not gossiping, disclosing, sharing, or celebrating their sins.  Stand with your friend and show them love.  We should want all to enter into heaven one day, which means you want to be there to support your friend when their faith is struggling.  You can't do that if you are talking about them behind their back.  

I am not asking you to condone their sin.  Not at all.  We want to be there to help walk them through it, to support them, and help them be accountable.  Help them to see through scripture and prayer the sin of their actions without judging them.  You are not the judge, nor am I, but there is One who will judge in His due time.  Help them to lean into God's grace and forgiveness, with repentance, in love, not in gossiping about it.  You will need their help one day, too.