Early politicians required feedback from the public...
Illustration
Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what the people considered important. Since there were no telephones, televisions, or radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs, and bars. They were told to "go sip some ale and listen to people's conversations and political concerns." Many assistants were dispatched at different times. "You go sip here" and "You go sip there." The two words "go sip" were eventually combined when referring to the local opinion, and thus we have the term "gossip."
Paul wrote that "Love does no wrong to a neighbor." In order to do no wrong, Paul instructs that we are to "lay aside the works of darkness." When it comes to not hurting our neighbor we often feel a sense of self-righteousness for we do not murder or steal. But we really are culprits in hurting our neighbor as we covet, are jealous, and gossip. Gossip from its conception was a form of eavesdropping and rumormongering. Sometimes this often seems to be the favorite pastime of society, within and outside of the church. Let us "lay aside" any subtle words or actions that are not done in love that are not done for the betterment of our neighbor.
Paul wrote that "Love does no wrong to a neighbor." In order to do no wrong, Paul instructs that we are to "lay aside the works of darkness." When it comes to not hurting our neighbor we often feel a sense of self-righteousness for we do not murder or steal. But we really are culprits in hurting our neighbor as we covet, are jealous, and gossip. Gossip from its conception was a form of eavesdropping and rumormongering. Sometimes this often seems to be the favorite pastime of society, within and outside of the church. Let us "lay aside" any subtle words or actions that are not done in love that are not done for the betterment of our neighbor.
