Christianity Oasis Forum

[for4himalways]

a friend is going through a vary hard time right now. Our chior got told that this friend is part of a rumor that is not true that is going around our church. I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around why someone would do this. I'm having flashbacks and they aren't good. If you would like to know more just let me know. I need to talk it is helping me. please and I why i'm having them.

4Him

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hi forhimalways,

I've looked a little bit into the bible regarding the issue of gossip, as the problem you mentioned seems to have stemmed from exactly this. Of course, we have all no doubt been guilty of gossiping at one time or another, but the fact is God makes it very clear in numerous bible passages that He hates gossip with a burning intensity (Proverbs 16:27, Psalm 101:5, for example).

To be more specific, the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16) states, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor". If it helps you to understand, you should keep in mind that it is satan who is the source of all sin, whether it be from Christians or non-Christians.

Therefore, make no mistake that, while we are all accountable for our own sins, the original author of sin is the devil himself, and what you and your friend are going through is not a random occurence; it is deliberately being orchestrated by the evil one himself- pulling the strings from the background- as all sin is. You and your friend, as far as I can see, are under a very specific attack from the master of deception, possibly even through people who are otherwise good Christians are are ignorant to how they are being (mis)used by the evil one.

Anyway, I will pray to The Lord on your behalf, and that of your friend. My cautious advice, as an outsider who has no real understanding of the exact dynamics of the situation you outlined, is to encourage your friend and be encouraged yourself. Satan comes hardest and most savagely against those he has well and truly lost, those who absolutley belong to The Lord. Maybe this is why you are both under such savage attack.

One last thing, is it possible you could have a quiet word with one or more of the chief gossipers? If they really are people of The Lord just being badly misguided in their gossiping, then they ought to be feeling some genuine remorse and pity when quietly confronted with the damage they're doing.

That's all. Pray to The Lord on this, and you'll get through. God bless.

[Dora]

Something is triggering the flashbacks. If you don't know what is triggering them perhaps talking it out will help you.