Spilling the Tea

We end this week of Devotionals on Rejection of Gossip, Slander, Lies and Discord. And pray that you were ministered to and challenged by these devotionals. Spend these last few days committing to memorize this scripture and live by it!

SCRIPTURE: "These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among the brethren." Proverbs 6:16-19 - 16

Everyone loves a good story, whether it is on the television or coming from a friend. In African and Black history, storytellers called griots preserved the genealogies of the tribe by telling true stories with a little flare. However, there is another type of storytelling that is pervasive and hurtful. The Bible speaks about not spreading lies or sowing seeds of discord (planting false or negative narratives) among people. Back in the day, your mama may have said to you, “a dog that will fetch a bone will carry a bone.” This tidbit was mama’s way of discouraging the participation of gossip. We all have been guilty of wanting someone to “spill the tea”. Most times it is juicy but may not be 100% true. We must realize that listening to the tea can get us caught up also. See once the story is heard it is often repeated and that’s how rumors get started.

As believers we must be mindful of how we represent Christ and that includes what we take in as well as what we put out. Everyone has had a “Woo chile, let me tell you” moment. However, as believers we must be intentional about our words. Sometimes even the truth isn’t ours to tell. We must be intentional about being honest but not intending to hurt. We must be intentional about not participating in gossip by accepting the bone being carried and that can be difficult. We must learn to decipher the intention of the story teller and block those who are bone carriers. We also need to determine which person we are (bone carrier or receiver) and govern ourselves accordingly. Many times, your delivery of the story will show if it is gossip.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, forgive us when we intentionally spread lies, embellish, or plant seeds of discord. Show us the error of our ways, Lord. Gossip and slander and discord are not godly, and they can destroy a church. Help us Lord, to be more like You, sowing seeds of peace, encouraging others with truth, and always speaking the truth in love. Thank You, Lord for Your forgiveness when we were the person carrying the bone. And thank You for Your Son Jesus the Christ who died for all sin. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Sis. Patricia Towns