We all receive these email forwards that tell of potential dangers, laws, character flaws and they urge us to keep them going. But how many of them are actually true? I read very few of them, they are usually very quickly deposited into my trash box. But every now and then one will catch my eye and I will read it, but I will NEVER forward it on unless I’ve taken the time to check out Truth or Fiction or SNOPES.
My concern is, God calls me to be holy and righteous in all things. That includes any information I might pass on to anyone. God’s word tells us we are not to participate in gossip, lying or slander.
For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances; 2 Cor 12:20
But now you also, put them all aside; anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, Co 3:8-9
He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool. Prov. 10:18
The meaning of gossip is secret whispering, an unfavorable saying, evil report or secret slander. Slander is detraction, speech injurious, to another's good name. Lying is to speak falsehoods. Gossip, Slander and lying are all sins and none of them are pleasing to God. So then why would sending an email that is untrue or speaks unkindly of someone be any different?
So my dear sisters if you find forwards in your inbox please do not pass them on without checking out first if they are true and second if they are true do not spread unkind truth. This is just not something a Christ follower should be apart of. Again God’s Word tells us that our speach should be good and wholesome. We should speak words that build up and encourage, not tear down.
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Eph 4:29
Sharon, I'm glad you passed on these gatekeeper websites. I HATE forwarded emails and I rarely read them! Thanks for reminding us to speak TRUTH and to only speak what is useful for building others up.
ReplyDeletei, too, don't read many forward emails - and for the reasons you stated.
ReplyDeleteit's amazing how people will accept just about anything they read if it's sent to them by someone they know, and even trust. but they've just forwarded it on from someone else. who knows who started it and what their intentions were.