“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.” – 1 Timothy 5:13

In 1861, soon after Lincoln’s inauguration, a large Republican delegation from California visited the White House. Their purpose in meeting with the President was to complain about a friend of Lincoln’s, Senator Edward D. Baker of Oregon. The delegation claimed that Senator Baker was interfering with appointments in California and his attempt, as they claim, to foist corrupt and broken-down politicians of doubtful antecedents upon the administration and the people of the Golden State. Some of the Californians sought to assail both the public and private character of Senator Baker.

This angered Lincoln and he vehemently defended his friend. Lincoln’s wrath on the delegation was in short that he would not permit anyone to gossip about Baker in his presence; and if they intended to persuade Lincoln, they would have to do it without character assassination. The result was that the charges against Senator Baker were summarily withdrawn and the delegation apologized for their accusations.

Gossip is a sin. We need to avoid it all cost. Today in prayer, confess any sin of gossip and seek to only build up others in Jesus Christ.

“The only time people dislike gossip is when you gossip about them.” – Will Rogers

God’s Word: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” – Proverbs 11:13

Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2006, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY pkennedy6@yahoo.com