Rumors had to be addressed in Jesus’ community of disciples as they do in ours today.
The community of God’s followers can be a very healing place to be. I have experienced both healing and renewal by being in the presence of my sisters and brothers in Christ. But it is also impossible for me to ignore that I also have experienced suffering at the hands of those who ascribe to the same faith as me. Are you shocked that I would say this, or can you relate?
Creating or sustaining a culture of rumors and judgment has nothing to do with God’s grace. And it puts us counter to Jesus’ desires.
How do we live up to Women of the ELCA’s purpose statement to promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world? We can start by being kind to one another and by addressing rumors before they grow.
This message is excerpted from “The Harmfulness of Rumors” by Inez Torres Davis from the February 21, 2019, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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