lnf said:
Come on! I think we all know what gossip is. And we don't need to be able to quote a particular verse to identify it. "Whisperer" is a great description of a gossiper. "Did you hear" is a common prelude to gossip. Gossip is idle talk. Gossip is repeating what you (or think you) know to others who don't need to know. 100% truth can still be gossip. Motivation counts.
In Paul's case, he was not gossiping...he was addressing the gossip, which was most likely true. He did not identify anyone by name...he addressed the actions that were "commonly reported". Big difference.
Do I gossip? I would be lying if I said no. Do you gossip? Probably. I think it is part of our fallen nature to engage in a bit of gossip from time to time.
Is all gossip destructive? No. But plenty of it is. As Christians, we should strive to avoid malicious gossip. But sometimes, we need to stand up for truth, like Paul did. But we need to do it biblically. Matt 18:15-17
And those who cry, "Gossip!", might be right, or they might be simply trying to protect their own status quo. Again, I look at Matt 18:15-17 as my guide.
So motivation counts? Humm..... so you know other peoples motives? Mind reader? Have long have you had this gift?
When bringing motives into play.... maybe you should consider....
1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
See.... I know a little bit about the Scriptures. I studied them intensely for many many years. I haven't just taken what someone says about them at face value. What I said is true. You're problem is you're taking a 21st century understanding of "gossip" and applying it to centuries old situations.
We judge things by "TRUTH". The truth of Scriptures. Motives are very hard to determine at times. I know you think you know my motives.... but you don't.
You then proceed to think you can judge "gossip" by "motive" alone. I could care less about motive. I care about whether it is the truth or not. If it is TRUE... then who cares about motive? I do know that people who sin love to question other peoples "motives" for exposing their sin. They believe it's their "trump" card.
In Paul's case, he was not gossiping...he was addressing the gossip, which was most likely true. He did not identify anyone by name...he addressed the actions that were "commonly reported". Big difference.
Get real. He wrote to the people who knew WHO WAS HAVING THE DISPUTES. It has nothing to do with "naming names". NO "BIG DIFFERENCE" to be found.
Why do you think Paul "partly believed it"? Humm..... can you deal with that part of the verse?
Is all gossip destructive? No. But plenty of it is. As Christians, we should strive to avoid malicious gossip. But sometimes, we need to stand up for truth, like Paul did. But we need to do it biblically. Matt 18:15-17
How is this any different than what I said? IF "gossip" isn't always "destructive" and we should only avoid "malicious" gossip....then you get right were I'm at with what I said. Its called "slander". "Talebearer". In other words.... it involves a lie.
Again. Matt 18:15-17 doesn't have anything to do with criminal law. If someone breaks the law. Say a "child molester". You have no reason to quote Matt 18 and go to that "child molester" to fulfill your "Christian duty". If a member of your church breaks into your house and steals something of value..... you don't have to go to him "alone" and "reason" with him. If you do, I suggest you at least take Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson with you the FIRST TIME.
"Civil law" is another issue. Such was the case Paul dealt with at the church of Corinth.
"Whisperer" is a great description of a gossiper. "Did you hear" is a common prelude to gossip.
I'm glad you mentioned that. If there really any verse in the Bible that deals with such a thing its
1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Its important to make a distinction between such things. The Scriptures do. You should. Just to throw out "gossiper" when someone references another person's actions.... is just plain silly.
