The 9th Commandment

Good Morning!! The ninth commandment tells us; that we are not to speak dishonestly about our neighbor. Who is our neighbor?...The whole world,...and more so today, than ever before! This commandment is broken not only when we tell an outright lie, but also when we use deception of any kind. We've probably all been guilty of participating in gossip, either by carrying tales ourselves or by listening to others gossip and remaining silent, failing to stand up for the accused.

"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."—Exodus 20:16 (NIV)

With Christians, gossip is often masked with seemingly caring language: I never would have expected this, of that person,...or I don't mean to put this person down, but did you know,...or Isn't it sad that they are losing their house, because of gambling,...or I wouldn't tell you this, but you need to know how to pray them. If for some reason we do need to share something negative about another person, we first need to be absolutely certain that we have our facts straight. Then we need to examine the real motives for wanting to tell someone about it,...and we should tell only those who really do need to know. Sometimes even the truth, can be destructive,...think before you speak. Strive to always speak the truth,...in love.

The Bible says that "the tongue has the power of life and death" (Proverbs 18:21).
Are we using ours for life? 

Holy Spirit of God, forgive us for the times we've participated in gossip, and for any times that our careless words have hurt others. Help us to always speak the truth,...but out of love. Amen.

"Knowing that there are absolutes that define moral conduct, and ethical decisions, is essential for every believers life."