Do you remember this? "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor". A simple thing,
meant to be kind, loving, and caring.
Yes, it's the 8th commandment.
It stands there to protect the good name,
the reputation, the integrity of a person, and directs our relationship with our
neighbor. It speaks to fairness in our dealing.
James says it boldly, “Brothers, do not
slander one another”. The word suggests “speaking down” and implying an
inclination of putting down: “I put him in his place”. And James sternly says, “Do
not do this”.
It is not acceptable to tolerate bad
actions or let them happen. Our culture’s addled and confused notion of tolerance
says we cannot criticize, because someone else thinks it’s OK.
But God has given us right and wrong. G.K. Chesterton said morality consists of drawing a straight line. It goes back
to the question, “What is your North Star, your guiding principle.” For the Christian
it is always the Word of God which is TRUTH.
Luther laid it out for us, “And put
the best construction on everything”. That isn't always
easy to do because we may be angry, upset, and tend to judge harshly. Just
remember, “the purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters”. Prov. 20,5a. And “The
Lord looketh on the heart”, as God reminded Samuel when he was choosing Israel’s
new King.
In this culture we are living in, it
is good to remember basic laws from our God, and try to live by them. May God
bless such living and caring and finally, living in loving care for each other.
GPD 4/4/14
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