A Pure Heart

It’s the whole speck and log thing. It’s the one finger pointing out and three pointing back at me. It’s a known issue in thousands, shoot—probably tens of thousands of churches, but for some reason no one does too much of anything about it. We talk about how much it causes problems and keeps the local expression of the body of Christ broken and fragmented. Slander and gossip in the various guises they take are passive killers, like carbon monoxide quietly leaking into a closed room.

I confess, I have actively participated in conversations about some one who has done something or hasn’t done something. When in a group with others having that conversation, the experience seems to unite us, to bring a sense of solidarity because we express our feelings and frustration about said person (or persons). When that particular group of persons get together, it isn’t long before the conversation turns to the Persons (that’s their name now), and the situation is relived, re-experienced. In some of those conversations we’ve talked about how Persons talks about other people and how it isn’t right. And there in lies the paradox (self-contradiction): participating in a practice that we ourselves condemn for others. Ahh, but we are justified in our actions, or so we easily convince ourselves.

I read the quotation below this morning and it’s what stemmed this email. It’s from a writing from the 1st or 2nd Century A.D. by the Shepherd of Hermas, who addresses situations like these with bold words, words that are like fingernails on a chalkboard.

Be humble and innocent, and you will be like the children who don’t know the wickedness that ruins men’s lives. First, then, speak evil of no one, nor listen with pleasure to anyone who speaks evil of another. But if you listen and believe the slander which you hear, you will participate in the sin of him who speaks evil. For believing it, you will also have something to say against your brother [or sister]. Therefore, you will be guilty of the sin of him who slanders. Slander is evil and an unsteady demon. It never abides in peace, but always remains in conflict. (italics mine) Keep yourself from it, and you will always be at peace with everyone. Put on a holiness that will not offend with wickedness, but whose actions are all steady and joyful. Practice goodness.

Most of the time I think the stuff we fill those conversations with are petty and small, or a misunderstanding of something said or done. It shows how shallow the friendships really are. Sometimes I see it, sometimes I don’t. A chain is no stronger than its weakest link—If I’m really honest with myself, sometimes I’m the weakest link.

But “love covers a multitude of sins.” My prayer is that I willfully perceive those conversations for what they are—evil, and speak grace into them, instead of contributing to the fragmentation and downward spiral experienced in so many congregations. I want to be a part of a loving community that nurtures deep friendship, loyalty, respect, and Godly love. And the Holy Spirit will guide us if we open ourselves, soften our hearts to allow his corrective grace. And in that correction I am being reshaped in the image of Christ and he continues to make me holy. My light that shined dimly is rekindled, to the glory of God. Thanks be to God.

“But to do good and communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is pleased to dwell.” Heb 13.16