Can a True Christian Spread Gossip?

Q: I work with someone who claims to be a Christian, but she is the worst gossip I’ve ever known. Other than this, she’s not a bad person, and she even wants me to attend her church. How do you explain this? She really turns me off. — Mrs. C.J.

A: I can’t blame you; it’s hard to respect someone who claims to be a follower of Jesus but doesn’t act like it. Some of Jesus’ strongest words were directed at hypocrites — that is, at people who claimed to follow God but denied it by the way they lived.

Sadly, your co-worker may not even realize what she’s doing. In fact, she may think she’s a good Christian — she’s active in her church, lives a good life and so forth. These are important, of course; they should be part of every sincere Christian’s life. But gossiping is wrong in God’s eyes, and should never be part of our lives. Not only is gossip seldom true, it hurts everyone it touches. The Bible says, “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).

Remember: God doesn’t only want to change our outward behavior — important as that is. He also wants to transform our inner character — our hearts and minds — so we become more like Christ. I pray she’ll come to realize this; only then will she love others the way Jesus does, and avoid hurting them by her words. The Bible says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4, NKJV).

Don’t, however, let the inconsistent behavior of this person keep you from Christ. He alone is perfect, and you can trust your life into His hands. God loves you, and Christ gave His life for you. By a simple prayer of faith ask Him to come into your life today.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.