Gossip In The Name Of "Prayer Requests"

Proverbs 11:13, Exodus 23:1-2, James 1:26, Proverbs 17:9

This week many people in Tattnall County and surrounding areas shared misinformation like wildfire. There was an assumption about the motives of the Tattnall County Board of Education in releasing a coach from their position. There was very little effort made to learn facts, but rather rumors were shared all over social media. Even when the rumors were countered by people who knew the situation, posts remained up for far too long to gather likes and comments. To put this bluntly but Biblically, many Christians spread lies all over social media.

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A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

Proverbs 11:13

You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. 2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.

Exodus 23:1-2

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

James 1:26

He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

Proverbs 17:9

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The Tattnall County School System is far from perfect. That is because it is comprised of people. We are all sinners who fall short of the glory of God. Of all the school system's faults, religious suppression or persecution is not one of those faults. They have always been extremely supportive, and as a pastor, I could not be more proud of our leadership.

As Christians, before we share a post, or share our opinion on a post, we should try to learn FACTS. I have read many comments where people were disappointed about religious persecution. If this was indeed the case, I totally understand the outrage and would have joined in it. Religious liberties are precious, and we should absolutely stand up for our freedoms when they are illegally violated, but again, that did not happen.

There were calls for peoples' jobs to be taken. Think about that for a moment. People were demanding that innocent people lose their jobs over a lie. Families could have lost their source of income. Reputations could have been ruined. Even now, there are people who do not know the truth, and some who do not want to believe the truth.

The above Bible verses are very clear. Christians should have nothing to do with spreading rumors and lies. We should keep our communications clean. Even if the rumors had been true, Christians SHOULD NOT SPREAD RUMORS. On the contrary, rumors stop with us because we love people, and do not want to be guilty of maligning their character needlessly. What good would have come out of plastering this story all over Facebook? None. It would have changed NOTHING. Many people fell for "click bait" and became guilty of sin. Christians need to be MUCH MORE CAREFUL with what we share and say on social media.

Father, we all want to protect our fellow Christians when they are done wrong, yet, You said that we would suffer persecution. Help us to remember that the apostles rejoiced in their persecution because the world saw Jesus in them. Help us to not act like the world when we face trials. Help us to not become overzealous and in the process become guilty of sin.