Shunning Gossip: Embracing Renewal on the Last Monday of March!
As we step into the final days of March, I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you. What's become a focus these past days is the dangers of gossip and watching the words we speak.
The Bible speaks profoundly about the detrimental effects of gossip. It reminds us that gossip not only tarnishes reputations but also erodes trust and unity among brethren. Proverbs 16:28 states, "A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends." Hence, let us be vigilant in guarding our tongues and spreading kindness rather than rumors.
One of the most notable stories about gossip in the Bible can be found in the Old Testament, in the book of Numbers, chapter 12. This story involves Moses, his sister Miriam, and his brother Aaron.
Miriam and Aaron began to speak against Moses because of his marriage to an Ethiopian woman. They questioned Moses' authority and criticized his decision to marry outside their own people. Their discontentment led them to engage in gossip, spreading rumors about Moses behind his back.
However, God was not pleased with their behavior. He called them to the tent of meeting and chastised them for speaking against His chosen servant, Moses. In Numbers 12:6-8, God says to them, "Hear now my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"
As a consequence of their gossip and rebellion against Moses, Miriam was struck with leprosy. Aaron pleaded...
... with Moses for forgiveness, and Moses interceded on her behalf. Eventually, after Moses prayed to God for Miriam's healing, she was restored, but not without a lesson learned about the dangers and consequences of gossip.
This story from the Bible serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of gossip and the importance of respecting God's chosen leaders. It teaches us to be cautious with our words and to avoid speaking ill of others, especially those whom God has appointed for His purposes.
Monday Prayer:
Dear Father God, Come to you this Monday morning with thanksgiving. Thank you for waking us up and keeping us all month long. Please forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Now on the last Monday of March we say thank you for renewal. Thank you for bringing us closer to your will and purging what is not of you. We ask you to keep us away from negativity, and the spirit of gossip this week. Keep us focused on your plan for our individual and collective assignments. It is in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Wishing you all a blessed week filled with joy, peace, and abundant blessings.
With warm regards,
Ya Rose