Though many would agree gossip is wrong, they allow for slanderous accusations to go unchecked as long as the person is "really guilty". How interesting that the Bible addresses this using the most extreme example, Satan, to demonstrate that this is unacceptable.Reference: Jude 1: 8-9
Biblical Summary: The archangel Michael and Satan were disputing yet Michael "did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him."
Reflection:
I like this passage because it demonstrates a few things about disagreements...
Certain things are allowed:
- Michael engaged in a dispute. He was allowed to disagree and do so verbally. v9
- Michael was allowed to say, "The Lord rebuke you." v9
Certain things are not allowed:
- Michael did not bring a "slanderous accusation against him [Satan]." v9
Let's look at some of these definitions.
- Dispute: to engage in argument (
Merriam Webster)
- Slander: an abusive attack on a person's character (www.english-test.net)
- Accusation: a formal criminal charge against a person alleged to have committed an offense punishable by law (legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com)
- Rebuke: to criticize or reprove sharply, to reprimand (thefreedictionary.com) (Reprove: to voice or convey disapproval of)
So... We ARE allowed to engage in debate of actions and ideas but need to leave disapproval for their person to the Lord. Even with Satan, we ought not abusively attack his character in response to his atrocious crimes. Instead, we attend to the matters we can and let the Lord deal with the heart and character. He alone is able to judge with full knowledge of their hearts, minds and motives.
Prayer
Lord, You alone know each and every situation as well as each and every heart. You know which circumstances have wounded us due to another's sinful heart and which have wounded us due to a sinful action from a repentant soul. Of course, illuminate us to ways we have been hurt due to mere differences... not sins on either part.
Help us to focus on actions and verbalized thoughts instead of character and intent. Keep us in our frustration from attacking the soul of another. Forgive us for the arrogance of wanting to do this, at times. Forgive us for having done this, at times.
Lord, as we so badly want to be understood. Give us the same desire to understand others... treating others how we want to be treated. When we disagree, aid us in examining ourselves in humility. Give us the words and grace to confront ideas that are wrong. When these false ideas and/ or cruelty remain unchanged, allow us to trust you that you will rebuke. You delay is planned. Your delay is purposeful. And, your promise of a future and a hope (Jer 29) remains true!
Two Final Verses:
Psalm 7:9 "O Righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring an end to the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure."
1 Chronicles 28:9 "For the Lord searches every heart, and understands every motive behind the thoughts."
