Recently I learned of a few people gossiping to destroy my reputation and character.

I prayed over Romans 12:9-21…

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

and reflected on Paul Tripp’s recent tweet…

“If the righteousness of Christ allows me stand before a holy God utterly unafraid, why would I be haunted by what you think of me?” – Paul Tripp

Then I came home and listened to Mahalia Jackson’s song…

“Down here I’m talked about, lied upon, deceived a lot.
But I’m willing, oh so willing, a cross to bear…” (The Christian’s Testimony)

If gossip is the worst form of persecution for me here on earth, I guess I’ve really nothing to complain about.

“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” – Heb 12:4

P.S. Here are the full lyrics…”The Christian’s Testimony” by Mahalia Jackson. I couldn’t find the audio online but found Lynda Randle’s version of it. Take a listen…