Encouragement From The Flock

I grew up going to church every Sunday. My church background was a conservative denomination. I learned the basic Biblical doctrines.  But, actions of some church members often contradicted with what was being taught.  I learned at a very young age to go to church with a smile on my face -to never expose dirty laundry to anyone -yes, I had Jesus in my life and all was well!  I learned that those who did make themselves vulnerable, by confessing sin or weaknesses to the flock, then became objects of gossip for years to come.

This has been a subconscious and living thinking pattern all my life, that God recently revealed to me.  You see, I was at a small Bible study not long ago and the Holy Spirit began to prod me about speaking of my childhood and a point of shame for me.  I fought the Lord.  I remember even trying to make a deal with God, if He would not ask me to speak of this.  The Holy Spirit kept prodding.  I spoke, sobbing through every sentence.  Later, at home, I questioned God about why He would let me humiliate myself that way.  I remembered that old childhood pattern of fear.  Would I be slaughtered by gossip in years to come? 

But the Lord showed me, that as I spoke and exposed my shame to the light, I was healed.  That night I walked away from that Bible study a new person.  It didn't matter if someone chose to take it and make it a part of their gossip.  God would judge them.   All that really mattered was that I was obedient to the Holy Spirit, and therefore, I allowed the renewing of my mind to take place.

Gossip quenches revival!  Everyone is to be highly esteemed -their past is to be left behind.  Gossipers are like wrecking balls, flung at trusting and tender hearts -leaving only devastation.  I confess and repent of all the times I have gossiped!  Ouch!

Mighty God -bring revival!  Even at the cost of pride!

Janet Diaz