"The tonge is a fire, a world of unrightousness. The tonge is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell." ~James 3:6
Gossip-something we disregard as a "small sin." Knowing it is wrong, yet we do it anyway. Why is that exactly? It is simply because we enjoy it.
James tells us the tonge is a "fire" and warns us of its danger.
The tonge can cause divisions and quarrels in the church of Christ. It can break apart friendships by simple misunderstandings and cause us to form false opinions of others. I have witnessed many friendships abolished by the power of the tounge. The tonge may in fact appear small, when in reality its strength is overpowering. It must be tamed.
We may not always be the one spitting out unkind words behind the backs of loved ones. We might be on the other side taking it all in. Though we may not think we are in any danger, we must realize that participating in gossip is just as wrong (if not worse) than actually doing it.
Somehow we are under the illusion that the news will never find the victim. We have deceived ourselves into thinking so, because gossip always circles around sooner or later. Though you may not have intended to hurt that person directly, your venting rampage will pass along from ear to ear-eventually piercing the target. Even if the news never surfaces to them, in the end it will be dealt with. Scripture directly tells us we will be accountable for "every word." That is a serious statement: not to be taken lightly.
For some reason we seem to "trust" the one whom we gossip alongside. When in reality you must see, if he or she found no issue gossiping on someone else's behalf, what makes you think they are trustworthy enough not to do the same to you? It is not only a possibility, it is a reality. I have seen it done many times before and have learned a great deal from it.
We must take the words of James serisouly-we must take gossip seriously. There is no such thing as a "little sin." In the eyes of God, sin is sin. In any way shape or form, He hates it, and if we truly desire to be like Him, we must hate it as well.
Do you recall that childhood song that went something like this: "O be careful little mouth what you speak, O be careful little mouth what you speak. For the Father up above is looking down in love, O be careful little mouth what you speak."? This childhood principle is something we must not forget. We must also remember the words our mother always taught us: "If you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all." All too often we forget the lessons we as children once abided by. It is time we are reminded of these things.
Another point about gossip we need to realize is this: Not only is it a sin, but it is utterly unappealing. I don't know about you, but I find edifying speech to be one of the most admirable traits in a friend. When you speak with someone who only has positive things to say about others, and does not allow any idle chatter; you see a beautiful differences that you want to have yourself.
When the tounge is used to glorify God, only good will come of it. You as well as others will find it entirely wonderful and appealing.
"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrightousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water." ~James 3:1-12
