Themes from Romans - Do you approve of evil??? Do you approve of GOSSIP???

[George]

"And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up
to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled
with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They
are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are
gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful,
inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless,
heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who
practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give
approval to those who practice them." - Romans 1:28-32 ESV

Paul continues on to make the case about the utter depravity of man
kind, stating "they were filled with all manner of unrightousness."
Then Paul goes on to list a hall a shame of depraved human behaviors.
We might assume if Paul is going to use up space in a letter, the
space will be reserved for the important information, things that
really concern him. Therefore, we must also assume that the list in
the passage above must be among the worst immaginable.

It is interesting to see some items such as (haughty, boastful,
disobedient to parents, and gossips). One would not think these would
be included in a list of some of the worst things. What is alarming,
is how these items are tolerated, even in the church. Especially
GOSSIP. Church people are notorious for gossiping, that is spreading
gossip and receiving gossip. We can't wait to talk about so and so's
marriage problems, or these people's kids getting in trouble, or
someone struggle with alcohol. At the same time others can't wait to
hear the latest news (gossip). Instead of seeking to pray and help
those in the body of Christ who are having troubles, we relish to be
in on the story. Instead of our heart breaking over someone's troubled
marriage, child, or adiction. we race to spread the story yet act like
we are really concerned for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We
need to stop this now.

There is nothing that can so harmful and destructive as gossip in the
midst of a congregation. In the passage above, Paul is condeming these
behavior, the people who practice them, and the people who give
approval to such things. The church should not take these things so
lightly. We are guilty and no better than the Godless worldly people
that are lost in their sin. We should speak up against such things,
especially gossip. It would stunned to see people in church that might
refuse to accept the latest juicy gossip. That would be so refreshing
for a change.

[Tom Kirkham]

I agree, gossip in particular seems to permeate church bodies more so
than other types of unrighteous behaviors. I think this is because it
is more of a passive or innocent type of behavior. Clearly things like
boasting, haughtiness, anger, etc. are regarded by the church bodies
as inappropriate under all circumstances. But gossip can easily be
disguised as "discussion". "expressing concern", "admonishment", etc.

I have found that gossip takes on a life of it's own because it can be
well disguised. Many innocent people can get caught up in gossip
without knowing it. What starts as a prayer circle item can become
gossip as it spreads around.

The best way to reduce or avoid gossip is for church leaders - bible
study facilitators, ministry leaders, pastoral aides, etc. - must
proactively and regularly remind participants that they need to bring
things to prayer rather than let it become gossip, and to respect
every church member's dignity, remembering that everyone falls short
of God's expectations and needs prayer not criticism or gossip.

[art]

Do you approve of evil????? Do you approve of Gossip???????

First of all to approve of evil is evil in its self. To approve of
gossip is also evil. Since God doesn’t tolerate or approve of evil or
gossip neither should we.

I think the first time evil and gossip showed it face was in the
garden of edan. God told Adam to take care of garden which he lived
with Eve and commanded them not to eat of the tree of Knowledge of
good and evil. But than along comes the founder of evil and gossip he
does his thing. Adam and Eve are evicted. Thus starts life as we know
it. With gossip and evil alive and kicking.

Evil and Gossip have no place in your walk with God.

Gossip is alive and oozing its way thru all the levels of life and
society .In our county for example we are going through one of the
worst down turns in our economy .Do we turn to God, No way we gossip
our way further and further in the hole The man in charge blames the
man that had the job before him. They gossip among each other the ooze
spreads and spreads to the point that nobody knows where it started or
cares .When the only thing that has to be done is turn to God. But
that would mean giving up Evil and Gossip. DA.

God is absolutely and perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3), therefore He cannot
commit or approve of evil (James 1:13).

Zechariah 8:17 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot
tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you
silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than
themselves?

Habakkuk 1:13 do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love
to swear falsely. I hate all this," declares the LORD.


Jeremiah 13:23 says, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the
leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing
evil."
Proverbs 26:20
without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.
Mathew 7:1 let he who is without sin cast the first stone.