Written by Scott B. Hayashi
Ecclesiasticus 28:16 (NRSV) Those who pay heed to slander will not find rest, nor will they settle down in peace.
Unfortunately, many people find slanderous reports entertaining and fulfilling—titillating, even. Juicy gossip seems to satisfy a deep hunger in us—either to believe that we are better than others or to relish the embarrassing dramas of famous or infamous people. With the advent of social media, this kind of hard-heartedness has taken on a frightening uptick, revealing a vicious delight in celebrating shame, guilt, or “otherness.”
As we seek affirmation for our self-worth, we sometimes look for support in damaging places. The more we hear negative gossip about others, the better we may feel about ourselves: “I may not be perfect, but I am better than that person.”
As Christians, our self-worth is rooted in being unique and beloved children of God. We have infinite value because God sent Jesus to be our savior, and by his life and love, we have been adopted as God’s children.
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