This entry was very vague: I don’t remember what prompted it, but the Lord’s response was and is helpful. I think I was in a group of people, including a close family member, who were gossiping about another ‘friend’. The next day I journaled to the Lord.
From the journal . . . . April 1990
The truth is, without a doubt, that was wrong. I did not speak up because I didn’t want their bad reaction. I wasn’t wondering if it was Your Spirit saying, “this is wrong”. I knew it was, but the straight truth was too harsh for me to speak, or so I thought at the time. I didn’t join in with the sin of gossiping*1 that night, but I didn’t expose it. I’m still wondering if I should have. *2
*1 Psalm 15:1-3.
1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends. See also Eph 4:29 Romans 1:29
*2 Prov 27:5-6.
An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. See also James 5:20. Luke 17:3. John 8:11
Lord, must the truth always be spoken?
And I Believe God Said:
Among Christians, when sin is involved, yes, the truth should be spoken.
Eph. 4:15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Lord, what about with Laura? God. I love You. I’d really like an answer, but I’m afraid of what You will say.
I know. I love you. With Laura, you must listen to Me and look to Me. Beware of how you speak. Silence is not always the answer. Don’t be afraid to point her to Me.
Ecc. 3:7b NIV. A time to be silent and a time to speak,
This reminds me of a pastor who told me that when you confront someone on a sin issue, it’s best to do it from scripture. For example, he would say, “These aren’t my own words, it’s what God says in His Word.”
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