Slander and the Accuser
Text: Proverbs 16:28, Ephesians 4:29, Exodus 23:1, Proverbs 18:6-7
The mouth or tongue is the smallest part of the body but most dangerous. For one to gossip, conversations are involved with the aim of slandering or deformation of ones character.
Gossip consists of slandering, rumours, lies, false accusations and as Christians we should refrain from it. The word Satan means accuser and his ministry is to create division in the body of Christ. He hates unity and a united formidable force of the body of Christ is to a threat to the enemy. When one engages in gossip it brings strife, enmity, hate, malice and divisionsin relationships and the body of Christ. Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. A perverse person is an obstructive person.
The question is why do people gossip, obstructive? Gossip is a passive result of anger,
dissatisfaction, jealousy and hurt. These are the root causes that lead to gossip and if we deal with the root causes, then we will be able to deal with the fruit of gossip. Gossipers always like spread secrets of people be it friends, associates or people they don’t really know. They always have the need to ‘talk’ and will seek accomplices or recipients to slander. Nothing is ever right to them hence there is always that burning feeling to slander.
I have was in the past been recipient of such satanic act but when the Holy Spirit convicted me to repent, I refrained from such act. He said to me “are you a builder or an agent of division? Don’t be agent of satan”. That struck me so hard. He said “the moment you engage or entertain gossipers you are facilitating division. Don’t entertain it and shut it down. No one is perfect in the body therefore protect them and pray for them”. There is a human tendency (flesh) for us to talk about juicy slanderous matters but refraining from it through the Holy Spirit’s leading will help us from the dangers of it.
In Genesis 9:22-23, Ham saw the nakedness of his father Noah but instead of covering him went to ‘mockingly’ tell his brothers Shem and Japheth. They covered their father’s nakedness to protect his dignity. This led to the blessings and a curse on Ham the father of Canaan. As Christians we are in a body, a family therefore we should confront one another prayerfully in love and shut down the devises of satan to use us as accessories to division.
Proverbs 17:9 He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. Proverbs 10:19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Prayer :
Lord, I repent of the sin of Gossip or slandering. Reveal and expose every root of gossip and heal my heart. Let every word that comes out of my mouth be counted by You Holy Spirit. My mouth shall minister grace and healing likesoothing oil. Thank You for the blood, thank You for the resurrection power to overcome. In Jesus’ name.
Contributor: Michael Nkire