Stop the rumor !

"Many who undertook to compose a narrative of the events that have taken place among us, following what we have been told by those who have been eyewitnesses from the beginning and have become ministers of the word, it has also seemed good to me, after having made exact inquiries on all these things from their origin, to expose them to you in writing in a manner followed" Luke 1.1-4

Luke wants to convey to a man named Theophilus the biography of Jesus. However he does not wish to communicate to him a rumor based on "one says". Also, he does exact research and inquires from the sources.

"Even if there is truth in your subject, every lie spoils everything."

Its purpose is to spread a fact established by eyewitnesses and not to spread a vague and unfounded story. His documentary sources date back to the origin, to the apostles themselves, and certainly to the multitude who followed Jesus. It is only after that that he painstakingly recomposes the story in a consistent fashion.

What about you when you talk about someone ? Do you speak after consulting raw sources ? Or do you speak in the wave ? If you do not speak in a precise way you will run a rumor.

Read my definition of the rumor : "A composition of truth, of semi-truth and lie". Understand this : "Even if there is truth in your subject, every lie spoils everything." That's why refuse the rumor.

When someone comes to you to talk to someone, give them the three-strain test :

- First, make sure his story is true and not based on a rumor.

- Secondly, ask him if his words are in the charity recommended by the Apostle Paul.

- Third, ask him what is the purpose of his story.

If nothing is charitable or certain, then close your ears. Because "the words of the protractor are like treats, they go down to the depths of the bowels" (Proverbs 18.8). Once this treat in the heart, pay attention to the damage ; they can unfortunately be considerable.

Be like Luke and speak truthfully.

A prayer for today

Lord, put a guardrail on my lips and give me the strength to refuse the rumor. Amen.

Patrice Martorano

Source (The Thought of the Day)