For Lack of Wood

There was a major volcanic eruption in the Mennonite gossip mill this week. With the social media we have today, gossip flies further and faster than ever before. Things get published and people make comments that are hurtful and make matters worse. The three rules about speaking are ignored--1. Is it true? 2. Is it kind? 3. Is it necessary?

It may be true but that doesn't mean you have to repeat it. Stories tend to grow as they are repeated and things are often added that aren't true.

If it is something bad, repeating it is not kind. How would you like it if you were the one at fault and everyone was talking about what you did wrong? Think about the family of the offender. The humiliation they feel is bad enough and knowing everyone is talking about it adds insult to injury.

What does it help for you to voice your opinion on social media? If you are not part of the problem or the solution, your opinion is irrelevant. Some people have been commended for their "courage" in speaking up. It is not courage, it's adding fuel to the fire. For lack of wood the fire goes out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceases. Proverbs 26:20.

What should we do when there is a scandal? Let God and those in charge handle it. Prayer is the only way we can help.We don't need to go around talking about it with our friends or on social media. The dual attributes of God are justice and mercy. If we claim to be His children then we also need to be merciful, zip our lips, and let Him handle the problem.