From time to time there seems to be an absence of honest confrontation taking place among God’s people, especially when it comes to gossip. It’s never innocent. Someone will always become the victim of such loose and dishonoring speech. 

Years ago, I came across something written by Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. He spoke a short word of admonition in his address to the new members who joined his church. I was so impressed by the truth and value of its content, that for all the years Jan and I pastored here in Oregon, I read it to the new people who were considering calling Living Waters their home church. I will let the text speak for itself. 

“About 20 years ago, I said something impromptu to the new members lined up across the front of the church. As we received them, the Holy Spirit prompted me to add, “And now, I charge you that if you ever hear another member speak an unkind word of criticism or slander against anyone — myself, an usher, a choir member, or anyone else—that you stop that person in mid-sentence and say, ‘Excuse me — who hurt you? Who ignored you? Who slighted you? Was it Pastor Cymbala? Let’s go to his office right now. He’ll apologize to you, and then we’ll pray together so God can restore peace to this body. But we won’t let you talk critically about people who aren’t present to defend themselves.’ “I’m serious about this. I want you to help resolve this kind of thing immediately. And know this: If you are ever the one doing the loose talking, we’ll confront you. To this day, every time we receive new members, I say much the same thing. That’s because I know what most easily destroys churches. It’s not crack cocaine, government oppression, or even lack of funds. Rather it’s gossip and slander that grieves the Holy Spirit.”  

The influence of the devil and his cohorts within the Church begins to wither when the saints of God live honorable lives. An honorable life is only possible if we allow the Lord to redeem not only our minds but what comes out of our mouths. This is one of the most impactful kinds of spiritual warfare because it keeps the peace within our ranks and gives notice to hell that we will not tolerate it when anyone, including ourselves, breaks rank and begins to do the devil’s work.