Sin of Silence

Leviticus 4-5 Mark 2:13-3:6 Psalm 36 Proverbs 10:1-2

If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible. – Leviticus 5:1 TNIV

There’s something about gossip that captures our attention. Magazines, web sites and even TV shows are dedicated to gossip about the private lives of famous people. Headlines intrigue with questions about whether this couple are splitting up or whether that actor has a drug problem. We’ve come to accept this as a part of American culture, whether we look into it or not.

Unfortunately, sometimes our churches become gossip centers. It doesn’t take long for someone to share some juicy information that was misheard. We can convince ourselves we are taking the high road by not engaging in the conversation. But here in Leviticus, God tells His people they sin when they say nothing about a misrepresentation.

Sometimes the path of least resistance is the path we take by default. It is easier to stay quiet than to take the time to talk with someone about something they’ve said publicly. But, as God’s people we are called to love. Sometimes that love is a matter of defending someone’s reputation that is being misrepresented. Sometimes love gently corrects someone who has his facts wrong. Either way, love does not remain silent, but looks to bring truth to light in a way that builds others  up rather than standing back while everything is eroded by untruth.

Father God, give us the courage to speak up when someone is being misrepresented. Teach us to speak the truth in love, so we gently point people to You rather than tearing them down with an “I know better than you” attitude. Make us Your agents of truth and love today. Amen.