You did not hear this from me, but...

Exclusion and Anger are just two of the languages Christians can speak that keep non-believers away from the church. I spoke of hate in an earlier blog so I will not dig back into that one but I will focus on the one language that I believe discourages more Christians and non-believers alike to stop coming to church. This language is so prevalent in our society that it seems to be every where.

First let me ask this: What is church supposed to be?

I like to think that church is a safe place. A place I can go and take off all the layers and lay it all out there before God. The good, the bad, and the ugly. It is a place we can come to grow in Christ and a place where non-believers will find Christ. Unfortunately, if the members of your church are speaking this language then it will snuff out the flame of the Gospel before it can even begin to grow.

Imagine this. You are a new visitor to a church and you have been coming for about a month and you are feeling like this is the place for you. Next Sunday night is a testimony service and for the first time in your life you feel like it is time to share your story. As you are leaving church today you stop and talk to a few folks you have met during this short time at this church and as you walk up to them you hear them talking about another church member’s wife and not in a good way.

“Did you hear about Joe’s wife?” “No, what happened?” “Dude, I heard she left because she found out he was talking to someone online” “No way that is insane, that doesn’t sound like him though” “Yeah, I know but I called him and he said that his wife had took the kids to visit her parents this weekend and he said everything was fine but he didn’t’ sound like himself, so something has to be up.” “I wonder if my wife knows anything, I will ask her after lunch”.

Now the thought pops into your head, I can’t share my story here; I don’t want everyone talking behind my back.

It is a simple act of GOSSIP that can kill a church. Now, that does not mean we cannot address our brothers and sisters concerns in a prayerful manner but Christians should never spread an untruth or something disparaging or hurtful about anyone, especially another member. Why would you want to be part of a church body in which the members talked about each other that way? That is not what the church is called to be. The church is called to be a family, a support system, to show love at all times for one another.

Hebrews 10:24-24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Does that sound like there is any room for gossip?

Ephesians 4:12 says “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

We are that body, we are those saints and gossip is everything that is contrary to what that verse says.

And if we know gossip is contrary then what does it say about those who gossip?

Romans 16:17 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause division and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."

Titus 3:10 says "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. "

Simple as that right there in our own scripture. If someone or something is causing a division or an obstacle contrary to doctrine then avoid them. Don’t entertain gossip, do not let it pierce your ears; walk away.

The ESV Bible has a great translation of Proverbs 20:19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple blabber.

We as Christians should be doing everything within our power to show LOVE to the world and to grow the church and to bring others to Christ.

Another thing to remember is that if someone gossips to you they will more than likely gossip about you.