Proverbs 18:17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
It is a common occurrence these days for people to publish “facts” before they are verified. These so-called facts are then passed on in an electronic version of gossip, reaching far and wide to people wholly unrelated to the events. Comments of praise and vehement protest are registered by those reacting before researching the veracity of the reports.
So often, the damage is done to the innocent long before the truth is brought to light. Even when the truth becomes known, the false reports are so widespread, and so thoroughly believed, that the truth has no place in the minds of those already infected. People who did not deserve a bad reputation will be haunted potentially for the rest of their lives by this slander that cannot be punished.
I recently read of a teacher who supposedly treated a disabled student with contempt in a school concert. Upon hearing the horror of the parent at the treatment of her child, everyone assumed the teacher was a horrible person worthy of the nastiest personal attacks anyone could think up. But then the rest of the story came out from those parents who were also present, a very different story it was. But too late for that poor teacher who did nothing worthy of judgement. She is still the object of wrath and even death threats from those who did not check the facts before they reacted and spoke.
This is why gossip is a sin worthy of ultimate punishment. In Romans 1, Paul includes gossip in the list of “all kinds of wickedness” worthy of death. Gossip in any form generally brings unwarranted judgement on the object of the talk. Once it spreads, it is hard to bring under control. And yet gossip is encouraged in our country. And gossip in the form of sharing on social media is expected, even among Christians.
How many times have we shared a post without checking the truth, or the context, of the event/occurrence/news? How many times have we gone to websites that purport their articles to be legitimate news, yet do not have reporters or editors who fact-check the contents of the articles?
In life and online, we must rise above the cultural embrace of gossip and sharing. We must check the facts before we speak. We must check the need to share before we click. As Paul also said, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths [or your computer], but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Faith Gym 