“Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign,went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” John 12:17-19
You can just imagine the juicy gossiping that would have been hot off the press when Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead.
“Did you hear?”
“Dead man brought back to life”
“Miracle man has done it again!”
What a story they must have had to tell after seeing first hand Lazarus brought back to life.
Now, I know I know… technically that wasn’t gossiping because they were sharing facts.
Gossiping is defined as a casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. And the bible does warn and tell us not to gossip.
As I listen to this story, I think of the game Chinese whispers that we use to play as kids. The first person in the line gets the original message and by the time it got to the last person, the “facts” had changed drastically.
But it reminds me that we all have a story! What has God done for you that you are bursting to share? Lazarus was a huge miracle that obviously got persons excited, but for you it may just be something small that made a huge impact in your life.
How are you going to share it?
Food for thought: We close ourselves off from sharing good news in our lives. Maybe people would find it interesting… maybe they won’t. And no, gossiping is something we should never do, but we should be sharing about Christ small or big miracles in our lives. We never know whose life it will change!
Prayer: Forgiving Father, that small anatomy in our mouths that continually get us in trouble… forgive us for our excitement to share lies (gossiping), to hurt others, and to deceive. May we use our tongues for good – to bring glory to your kingdom. Amen
May God’s grace, mercy and love be with you.