I said, “Margaret was 19 when we married and I was 22. When could we have divorced? Where is the logic in this?”
Rumors require no logic. They do not need to make sense. They do their wicked work like termites, eating away at the foundation of trust.
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
In the first story, the gossips were preachers. In the second, church members were the ones intent on undermining a pastor whom God had brought there.
I suspect neither group had a clue how seriously the Father in Heaven takes such acts against His messengers. Such behavior makes me think such people are practical atheists. They believe in God in their theology, but not in their lives, not in their heart of hearts.
When you are the target of such rumors and gossip, servant of God, you do what you can to run it down and deal with it. Beyond that, you give it up to the Lord and leave it with Him. If you are brought down by innuendo and false testimony, remember, servant of the Lord: You are not the first.
“A disciple is not above his teacher; nor a servant above his master. … If they called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household?” (Matthew 10:24,25).
Be faithful, friend. Stand strong in the Lord. Remember to love the culprits too. “Do good, bless, pray and give to those who hate you, who curse you, who threaten you, etc.” (Luke 6:27ff).
By doing so, you will heap coals of fire on their heads (Romans 12:20).
