Be Still and Know Daily Bible Devotion

Proverbs 17:4
Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.
The book of Proverbs was written thousands of years ago, but the issues that it tackles are so up to date that you could easily imagine that it was written yesterday! Today’s verse reminds us that there have always been gossips. There are many references to gossips in Proverbs and it is clear that the writer is deeply disturbed about their power to destroy relationships and make life miserable. Of course, everyone understands the magnetic power of juicy gossip. In Proverbs 18:8 (NIVUK) we read: “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” The whole process of gossiping is enticing. The gossip may draw you in by telling you that they haven’t told anyone else; it’s because of your special relationship that they are giving you this privileged information. The gossip then shares their news in as dramatic a way as possible and you are hooked. It’s a dangerous process, and the reality is that gossip is as destructive today as it has always been.
Every community is fertile ground for gossip, and churches are no exception. The love and care that binds a church together means that there is a constant flow of information. We need to check ourselves when we pass on information about other people. The mnemonic T-H-I-N-K is helpful. Ask yourself: is it true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind? If the information doesn’t pass those tests, then it’s important that you keep quiet.
Concern about gossip is found in both the Old and the New Testaments. The apostle Paul often spoke about its dangers and urged his readers only to share what was “good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29). We all need to listen carefully to his words and to respond to any gossip that we hear with decisiveness and love.
Question
What is your response when someone shares gossip with you?
Prayer
Lord God, help me to do everything possible not to pass on any gossip. Give me Your strength and wisdom so that I will always speak in a way that will bring encouragement and help to others. Amen

They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

Those who believed what Peter said were baptised and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Acts 2:38
Peter replied: “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
On one occasion I was taking a group of friends to a railway station at the end of a conference. I spoke movingly to them about the excellence of my satnav and the help that it had been to me. We weren’t far away from the station when my passengers expressed some surprise at the route we had taken. There was grass growing up the middle of the road and it certainly didn’t look ideal. However, it was the way the satnav had brought me so I assured them that it must be right. Then, to my horror, the road came to an abrupt halt. It was a dead end! The only way to remedy the situation was to turn around and retrace our steps, and I had to admit that my wonderful satnav was, after all, not infallible.
There are times when the only way to correct a situation in our lives is by admitting that we have done wrong, and do a U turn. That’s called repentance and it was precisely what Peter told his listeners to do on the day of Pentecost. Their sins had caused the death of Jesus and now they needed to head in a completely new direction. If they were willing to turn their lives around in this way the result would be the gift of forgiveness. They would be set free to live a new life with God, which would be marked by baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
It's always hard to admit that we have done wrong. It wounds our pride and so we will always be eager to find excuses to justify our actions. But when God shows us that we have sinned against Him, the only appropriate response is to admit that we have let Him down, turn right around and claim His gift of forgiveness.
Question
What is your own experience of God’s forgiveness?
Prayer
Lord God, I admit that I have sinned against You. I repent of my sins and ask for Your gift of forgiveness. Amen