Sometimes when its important to protect the people of God from deception, we must take an aggressive stance and lay down our lives for the sheep instead of being hirelings that flee when the wolf comes.
Oftentimes in that situation the devil will try to accuse a messenger of God about their motives as they protect the flock. So let’s try to understand the difference between a gossip and a testimony.
What’s the Power of a Gossip?
Gossip and Slander are very serious sins. Words are spiritual, and gossp comes from the desire to assassinate, i.e. KILL a person spiritually. Its a spiritual form of murder.
Proverbs 26
24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
The bible also describes these seven abominations in Proverbs 6.
Proverbs 6
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
What’ the Power of a Testimony?
A testimony is one of the most powerful ways to effectively overcome the devil that is trying to accuse you. It’s one of the 3 things that make a way for the Kingdom of God and Christ to gain ground in the world.
Revelations 12
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
What’s the Difference between a Gossip and a Testimony?
Gossip is based in pride, lies, murder, mischief, deceit, and discord.
Testimony is based in sacrifice, honesty, and selflessness.
A gossip tells lies or unverifiable information about someone else.
An honest testimony tells truth, and talks firsthand, about what happened to them or what they saw.
A gossip or slander talks to kill others.
An honest testimony talks to save others.
A gossip speaks in anger, for self.
An honest testimony speaks in love, to set others free from deception.
A gossip is partial to those who are rich and powerful, and can help them.
An honest testimony speaks in favor of the truth even if it hurts themselves.
Here are a few Scriptures from Leviticus that Illustrate the Balance and God’s Heart in the Matter
Leviticus 19 (CEV)
15 Be fair, no matter who is on trial—don’t favor either the poor or the rich.
16 Don’t be a gossip, but never hesitate to speak up in court, especially if your testimony can save someone’s life.
17 Don’t hold grudges. On the other hand, it’s wrong not to correct someone who needs correcting.
18 Stop being angry and don’t try to take revenge. I am the Lord, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
Leviticus 19 (AMP)
15 You shall do no injustice in judging a case; you shall not be partial to the poor or show a preference for the mighty, but in righteousness and according to the merits of the case judge your neighbor.
16 You shall not go up and down as a dispenser of gossip and scandal among your people, nor shall you [secure yourself by false testimony or by silence and] endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the Lord.
17 You shall not hate your brother in your heart; but you shall surely rebuke your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him.
18 You shall not take revenge or bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Leviticus 19 (KJV)
15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the Lord.
17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.
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