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In contrast to gossip, which is often a counterfeit of good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the real deal. The God of heaven and earth has re-birthed us through the empowering blood kinship of Jesus Christ. Moreover, in relationship to Jesus, God renames us humans as God’s eternal and intimate well-informed friends! Jesus says in John’s Gospel, “I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father” (15:15).
I’ll be honest, sometimes it still feels more natural for me to share gossip than gospel, and I’m a seasoned pastor! But could that be because I sometimes try to share the gospel the same way I share gossip – by talking about someone who isn’t present? Could a little invitation be in order? Something along the lines of: “God, Holy Spirit, would you mind coming with me as I share faith-thoughts with my friend…my son…my neighbor?”
This message is excerpted from “Gossip or gospel” by Christa Von Zychlin in the January/February 2019 Gather magazine.
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I had received Daily Grace for Years. Recently it has stopped. Can I be added on the list to receive this helpful e-mail again.
I have been a member of Women of ELCA for more than 40 years counting.
I appreciate your help and Thank You for your service.
Respectively, Doris Fairchild