There was a lady, Mrs. Brown, who lived in a small town and, oh, how she liked to talk.
While at lunch with several ladies of her acquaintance, she said, "Wonder why Elizabeth Case went out of town so suddenly?" No one seemed to know. She continued, "Maybe she and Charles are getting a divorce. I wouldn't blame her. All he does is work all the time." And so the rumor was started.
In two days it reached Charles. He was so upset, he made an appointment with his pastor. Almost everyone in town went to Pastor Martin's church. He explained what he had heard and went on to tell the Pastor why his wife went on the trip. "Elizabeth's father is very ill. Her mother has tried to be with him night and day and it is taking a toll on her health too. Their doctor called the other night and asked if Elizabeth could come for a spell. That is why she left and we hadn't had time to tell anyone."
Pastor Martin patted Charles on the shoulder and said, "Let me handle this, Charles."
When Charles left, Pastor Martin called Mrs. Brown and asked if she had time to come by his office for a few minutes.
Mrs. Brown was so excited. "Maybe he has heard about how I study my Bible and would make a good Sunday School teacher. Oh my!"
When she arrived, the Pastor said, "Let's take a little walk." Under his arm he carried a small pillow. They arrived at the church bell tower and Pastor Martin said, "Let's go up here." So they climbed to the top. From here they could see the whole town.
Pastor Martin paused a moment or two and then started telling what he had heard. He explained the hurt it had caused. By now Mrs. Brown was in tears. The Pastor continued on to let her know the real reason Elizabeth had taken the trip.
She cried more, "If only I could retract what I have said.." He took out a pocketknife, cut the pillow, and shook it so the feathers inside floated all over the town from the open bell tower. He then said, "You cannot take back your words any more than you can collect all these feathers and return them to this pillow."
On Sunday morning, Pastor Brown asked the church family to pray for Elizabeth, her father, and mother He had called and talked to her and reported her father was doing a little better. Nothing was said about Mrs. Brown.
Now, let's go to the Bible for another situation. In II Kings 20, beginning with verse one, we read about King Hezekiah's illness. Isaiah, the prophet, was sent by God to tell Hezekiah to put his house in order, for he was going to die. Hezekiah believed Isaiah immediately and turned his head to the wall and prayed.
Notice in each of these situations as soon as something bad is uttered, it is believed immediately. As in the first case, so much was believed that it was repeated all over town. Why do people believe evil, negative statements so quickly?
Now, let's return to Hezekiah. God sent Isaiah back to tell Hezekiah He had heard his prayer and Hezekiah had 15 more years to live. What does Hezekiah do? Does he believe a good report? No! He had to have proof! So Isaiah asked God to turn the sun back 10 degrees to prove a positive statement, a good report to Hezekiah.
Once again, people will immediately believe a bad report but will need proof of a good one. Let's think about it next time we hear a comment about someone. The Bible has much to say about talebearers.
Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with them that flattereth with his lips.
Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer the strife ceaseth.
A friend will not repeat, but will cover the transgression of his friend. Next time a friend falls into a trap and does something neither of you approve, help that one to recover and do not spread it abroad. This is being a true Christian.
This devotion can work in your life, if you let it. Be slow to believe a bad report and try to forget it and do not repeat it. The scripture bears this out. When it comes to something good about someone, do not require some proof before believing a good report as did Hezekiah. "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, ---" Romans 12:15
By: Betty J. Ivey