7 Life Decisions for Spiritual PowerSýnishorn

Never pass on anything about anyone that will hurt that person

Do not say anything that will harm others. God judges severely when gossip, slander, and malicious behaviour occur. Often, you will hear someone say, “There is something wrong in that person's life. I have a gift of discernment, and I feel I need to warn other Christians about this flaw.” This is gossip and slander, disguised as the use of a spiritual gift. Such talk is often motivated by jealousy. I once knew someone with a few "flaws," and I was “kind” enough to warn a few friends about him. One day, God said to me, “Stop this. Your problem is jealousy. Confess it.”

Why do you feel the need to warn the Body of Christ? Is the Holy Spirit not capable of conveying the necessary warnings when and where needed?

Scripture compares gossip to “dainty morsels” (Proverbs 26:22; NASB2020). Through gossip and slander, we often compromise the integrity of another person.

The Apostle Peter wrote: "Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8; BSB). This does not mean that we should ignore sins, pretend that they didn’t happen, or excuse people's wrongdoings.

I have a friend who has great discernment and wisdom. I have never heard him speak negatively about others; he never “exposes” people. I feel safe with him and can trust him. I do not have to worry that he might share my sins and struggles with the world. Are we such friends?

A lady in a certain congregation was addicted to gossip, especially about the pastor. One day, she came under deep conviction of her sin. She went to the pastor and confessed that she had constantly gossiped about him, and asked how she could make amends. He asked her to go home and bring him a pair of scissors and a pillow with feathers. He cut open the pillow, scattered the feathers into the wind, and then asked her to go and gather them again. She replied, “It is impossible!” The pastor responded, “In the same way, you will never be able to fully stop the negative effects of your gossip and evil talk.” Let us be careful about the things we talk about - they will be carried on the "wings of the wind" - either to do good or cause destruction, depending on what you are talking about.