Scandal

<<disgrace, nasty gossip>>

This is discredit and shame brought about by unseemly conduct, often of a morally wrong or illegal nature. Such devastation, when occurring inside a Christian setting, brings the cause of Christ into disrepute and, with wide exposure, can result in public outrage (1 Tim 6:1; Tit 2:5; 1 Pet 3:16).

Satan targets leaders because if he can cause them to fall, he is able to decimate a greater number of believers. However, regardless of any position we may have, we should all live with integrity and above reproach, “giving the enemy no opportunity for slander”. We need to maintain a close relationship with the Lord, being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and our conscience, guarding our reputation by living according to Christ’s teaching and not giving the devil a foothold (Prov 4:23; Eph 4:22,27; Col 3:5-10). Being in humble, open accountability with Godly believers who proactively address any concerns they have about one’s conduct or lifestyle is also helpful (Eph 5:3; 1 Tim 3:2,7, 5:14; Tit 2:5)

We should challenge those who spread rumours and scandal with questions such as – are these facts or hearsay? Have you prayed for the person involved? Would you like others to talk about you like this? If sin has occurred, the issue must be addressed while restoring the person back to

Don’t let any harmful talk come from your mouth – Ephesians 4:29

fellowship with God, their family and with fellow believers should be the focus. Reinstatement to a previous position should not to be done lightly or quickly.