What the Bible says about Gossip and False Witness

Our poor choice of words offends God and is sinful

What is Gossip?

In short, gossip is any communication that hurts people. “The words of a talebearer/gossiper are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly” Proverbs 18:8.

What does God say about Gossip?

Romans 1:29 tells us that those who gossip will not inherit the Kingdom of God. God is generous and allows us to repent and any gossip behavior will be forgiven. If you have gossiped or created false witness ask God to forgive you. Gossip is compared in severity with such sins as homosexuality, murder, inventors of evil, and haters of God. Clearly, we are to aggressively guard the body of Christ against gossip.

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification that may give grace to those who hear it” Ephesians 4:29.
“A soothing tongue is life to the body, but perversion in it crushes the spirit” Proverbs 15:4.

“From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not be this way” James 3:1.
“An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire” Proverbs 16:27. What happens to the victim of accusations? These accusers – this lynch mob of tongues – charge him, convict him and condemn him to death! Accusation is a deadly gossip.

Gossip slanders neighbors. It destroys a person’s character or personal reputation. But beware! He who lives by the sword of slander shall die by the sword of slander. “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy” (Psalm 10:1) – additional proof that God considers gossip severe sin to “destroy” those who gossip.

Gossip talks indiscreetly. People who spread gossip say just anything that comes into their minds. They do not engage their minds before they engage their tongues. They do not evaluate what they are about to say or its effect on others. “A serpent may bite when it is not charmed; the babbler is no different” Ecclesiastes 10:11.

The apostle Paul warns in Gal 6:7, 8 – “Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting.” (We may reap more than what we have sown – like a boomerang - it comes back to us.)

Human nature greedily swallows gossip. God warns here that gossip is never superficial but that we thoroughly assimilate it to become part of us. Lies about others die hard because, in our vanity, we are so eager to elevate ourselves while putting down others Proverbs 26:22.


2 Cor. 12:20 tells us that gossip is a reflection of a lack of acknowledgment of God. It further tells us that gossip is a reflection of an unrepentant heart.

1 Tim 5:13 says of younger widows, “They go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.” The Bible emphasizes that women, although not exclusively, are particularly susceptible to the sin of gossip.

1Tim 3:11; 2 Tim 3:3; Titus 2:3 indicate that “malicious gossips” are not to be tolerated in the church. Amazingly, the term that we translate, “malicious gossip” diabolous, is also translated, “devil”. A malicious gossip is a slanderer, one who spreads stories, true and false, that hurt and bring pain to others.

"Faithful are wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy” Proverbs 27:6.

“Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Reprove a scoffer and he will hate you” Proverbs 9:8.

There are around 127 passages in the Bible concerning gossip. “Do not spread false reports. (Exod. 23:1) Paul addresses the same thing in 2 Timothy 2:16. Do we sometimes wonder why our walk isn’t where we think it should be or where we would like it to be? Are we given over to a destructive pattern of chatter-gossip? Is there anything in our life that will allow someone to bring shame down on us as a representative of our Lord? (Titus 2:7-8) We, as Christians, need to remember that we are delegates, representatives of our Lord, in speech and in actions. We must live above criticisms, by not giving room for criticism to spawn and grow. We need to be persons of integrity, slandering no one, being peaceable and considerate. (Titus 3:1-2)

If we spread rumors (gossip) about ourselves, it is no different than spreading rumors about someone else. It is still a lie (Prov. 6:16-19), something that is destructive toward someone else, and the likelihood is that the damage will be far reaching. We build ourselves up, thinking we are something great, when in fact we are just deceiving ourselves and others—blowing smoke. (Gal. 6:3) We need to test our own actions, our motives. Are our motives for selfish gain, or are they to build and strengthen our walk, unifying the body of Christ?

When we gossip, or even participate in gossip, we are actively and voluntarily engaging in a destructive purpose, character assassination and theft. Basically, gossip is s destructive need for personal gratification, making one’s self feel good about one’s self by destroying the character and reputation of another.

You see “misery loves company.” Some people cannot stand the thought of someone else succeeding, whether spiritually, physically, or financially; so they search for reasons to accuse and discredit the person , ministry, business, etc. to make themselves feel better about who they are.

What Can I do to avoid gossiping?

First of all, guard yourself against gossip at all costs. Remember, God will judge every carless word you speak. Secondly, if you have been guilty of gossip, repent. If we confess our sins to God, He is always faithful to forgive us. Third, if we are aware of a brother or sister who is involved in gossip we need to “love them.” The bible tells us that, “everyone whom the Lord loves, He disciplines.”
Titus 3:10, 11 tells us to “Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.” The Bible teaches us that gossip is to the body of Christ, as cancer is to the human body. Both must be dealt with immediately and decisively, if the body is to remain healthy, and become all that God has intended it to be.



Helping People vs. Hurting People – What will be your legacy?
What qualities do you bring out in your neighbor?

Appropriate/Righteous Inappropriate/Unrighteous
- Builds up/edifies (Eph 4:29) - Tears down/destroys (Proverbs 17:4)
- Helps (Proverbs 15:4) - Hurts (Proverbs 15:4)
- Blesses (James 3:9, 10) - Curses (James 3:9, 10)
- Heals (Proverbs 12:18) - Wounds (James 3:6-8)
- Encourages (Heb 3:13) - Discourages (Proverbs 25:27)

Gossip is directly opposite from Gods request to love one another.

John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give to you, that ye love one another; as I have love you, that ye also love one another.”
“This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” John 15:12.
“These things I command you, that ye love one another” John 15:17.

Obviously, gossip is directly opposite to loving our neighbor as the Lord clearly is commanding. Gossip destroys love and results in bitterness and destruction of our reputation due to our sinful, ungodly behavior.

Guidelines to guard against gossip

1) If you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all (Eph 5:4)
2) Never speak about a person in any way other than compliments and praise, unless they are present, and even when they are present, “Let all that you do be done in love” (I Cor. 16:14).
3) Never share any information about another person unless they have given you their specific permission to do so (Proverbs 6:19).
4) Never speak about another person in any other way than how you would share it if they were present (Proverbs 25:23, Mt 5:37).
5) When in doubt, keep you mouth shut (Rom 14:23).

Proverbs 20:19 tells us not to associate with a gossip. Why? Because in our association with them we will become like them (Proverbs 13:20). And “do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them” Eph 5:11.

“Gossip indicates an unclean heart” Matt. 15:10-20
Those who guard their mouths and tongues keep themselves from calamity (Proverbs 21:23). So we must guard our tongues and refrain from the sinful act of gossip. If we surrender our natural desires to the Lord, He will help us to remain righteous. God rewards the just and the righteous, so we should all strive to remain as such.

False Witness – the 9th commandment
And closely related to Gossip

False impression is false witness.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor:” Exodus 20:16

The temptation to try and smear someone you don’t like is always around you. The Bible, of course, is very clear about what God’s position is concerning spreading lies and rumors and innuendos about brothers and sisters in Christ.

“A false witness will not go unpunished and he who breaths out lies will perish” Proverbs 19:9. Again, this points out the severity, that this is a major sin.

God commands, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor,” but liars and lying abound. Everybody knows that marketers lie about what products can do. Books, magazines, and movies feature liars of many different stripes. The media and the public have caught prominent government figures from presidents on down lying about important issues.

“A false witness shall perish; but the man that heareth speaketh constantly” Proverbs 21:28.
“A man that heareth false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow” Proverbs 25:18.
“For out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” Matthew 15:19
“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous” Exodus 23:1.
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Prov. 19:5
“An ungodly witness scorneth judgment; and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.” Prov. 19:28
“A false witness shall perish; but a man that hearth speaketh constantly.” Prov. 21:28
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murders, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

Commandment #9 prevents us from TELLING, SPREADING or LIVING a lie.

“A man that bearth false witness against his neighbor is a maul; and a sword, and a sharp

arrow.” Prov. 25:18
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.” Prov. 14:15
“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” Prov. 14:25

We use a large number of euphemisms to soften the act of lying; some are duplicity, fabrication, and evasion, stringing someone along, inaccuracy, exaggeration, fudging, rationalization, falsehood, ‘whopper’, deception, misrepresentation, dishonesty, putting someone on, putting up a front, and fibbing.

Clearly, false witness is creating an impression which is false. This includes the spoken, and written word but also the unspoken word. For example, a UCLA communications professor has determined that 67% of all communications is non verbal. False witness is false impression also created by non verbal communication, ex: facial expression, rolling of the eyes, and exaggerated body language, hand signs that were designed to overstate, lie, mislead or create false impression however subtle.

There is a personal, living, Almighty God whose ways and laws are reality in spite of the way things may appear to our senses (II Cor. 5:7). They are intrinsically right and true. Therefore a person who is honest, who is willing to speak the truth, who will acknowledge and submit to it when he sees it, will eventually be converted to be like God. Have it become part of your Christian life not to lie or create a false impression to others.

We are God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10). God, as creator, is making us kings and priests to administer and teach a way of life based upon revealed truth. Because He desires to share and perpetuate what He is with an entire family of children bearing His characteristics, He cannot have anybody in His family who does not embody truth as Jesus did.

“You shall not bear false witness” thus has far-reaching spiritual applications. It is not a commandment that we can carelessly ignore as being insignificant compared to other “more important” ones. The word “bear” indicates “spread,” “carry,” “render,” and “give.” It concludes the giving of testimony (verbally or by example) in any case that tends to produce injury. The ninth commandment regulates man’s relationship to other men much as the third commandment does in man’s relationship to God. This commandment directly involves faithfulness and loyalty in our mouth and example for God before men.

This principle holds true in every area of life upon which a name is built, whether in marriage, child training, employment, or health, or business. Many run from the truth about themselves. Nothing destroys a reputation quicker and more permanently than for a person to be known as a liar or hypocrite.

According to an article by Jan Mendenhall in June/July 1997 issue of Aspire, college kids lie to their moms in 50% of conversations. Dating couples lie to each other a third of the time, and spouses deceive each other in about 10% of major conversations. 12% of four million Americans lost their jobs for “misrepresentation.” A November 1997 survey conducted by the publishers of Who’s Who Among High Schools reveals that 76% of the students listed in their publication (supposedly the elite achievers) admit having cheated. Two-thirds of them believe it is “no big deal” to cheat to get a good test grade – and 65% of their parents agree! These are clear examples of a false impression that violates the 9th commandment.


Therefore, the ninth commandment covers not only making a false witness about another or an event with the tongue, (e.g.: lying, gossip, or creating an impression which is false.

A wise person is one who recognizes truth, understands that he must meet his obligations and submits to it. This process produces a good witness whether the obligations to truth is met verbally or behaviorally. If a person will not do this, he deceives himself that he can somehow “get away with it” and his witness and name will demonstrate his poor character.

Here is a good maxim to live by; Never believe anything bad about a person unless you know it to be absolutely true; Never tell it unless it is absolutely necessary; and remember, fear God, for He is listening while you tell it.

By Jeff Yeargain, Newport Beach, CA
11/14/08
JeffYeargain@att.net

References
http://www.parentalguide.com/documents/bible-studies/gossip.html
www.christianyou.net/pages/gossip.html “What does the bible say about gossip?
www.gotquestions.org/gossip-bible.html “What does the bible say about gossip?
http://www.topical-bible-studies.org/21-0024.html Thou shalt not bear false witness
http://apostolic:Inavex.com/biblestudy/files/9th-com.html The 9th Commandment: Thou shalt not bear false witness (Lie)
Jan Mendenhall Aspue Magazine, June/July 1997

Faith is the Victory over Fear

Are you living in faith or fear? Is it time for a readjustment in your life?

What is Fear?
Fear Defined. According to the American Heritage Dictionary[1] fear can be defined as “(a) a feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger; or (b) extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power.”
As the above definition suggests, there are two different kinds of fear. The second listed is the first in importance. It is a good and necessary fear acknowledging God, which is the first step down the road of Christianity. The first listed is of less importance. It is the fear of the unknown, a fear that has no basis, a fear the is the basis for destructive worrying. This fear has no redeeming value.

Necessary Fear: The First Step to Increasing Faith
The necessary fear that includes a sense of awe, or respect for power, is stressed in the biblical Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 1:7 says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 8:13 says “the fear of the Lord will cause one to hate evil.” Proverbs 10:27 says “the fear of the Lord will prolong life.” Proverbs 14:26-27 says, “the fear of the Lord provides strong confidence and is a fountain of life.” Proverbs 16:6 says, “the fear of the Lord promotes one to depart from evil.” Proverbs 19:23 says “the fear of the Lord leads to a satisfying life, and spares one from much evil.” Finally, Proverbs 22:4 reminds us “the fear of the Lord is the way to riches, honor, and life.”
Fearing God is the first step toward becoming a more advanced, practicing Christian; one who acknowledges God and the consequences of dying unsaved.

Groundless Fear: Worrying for Unknown Reasons
Groundless fears are often the result of misinformation. Dennis Waitley says, “Fear is false education appearing real.”[2] This kind of fear makes problems seem greater than they really are. A German proverb reminds us, “Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is.” Another proverb from an unknown source says, “Fear makes man believe the worst.” When we exaggerate fears of the problems we face, we think them to be overwhelming.
Groundless fear prevents us from enjoying the blessings we have. A Spanish proverb reminds us, “He who fears death cannot enjoy life.” The Greek philosopher Horace (65-08 BC) said, “Who lives in fear will never be a free man.” Certainly, one who fears unnecessarily cannot be at peace and know true joy. E. Stanley said, “Fear is the sand in the machine of life.”
Unless we can overcome the wrong kind of fear, the devil will have many weapons in his arsenal to use against us. If we are going to be victorious over him and also overcome the world, then we will have to understand how to reject the useless kind of fear. A proper understanding of the faith that God gives will lead us to the solution for rejecting useless fear.

What exactly is Faith?
Hebrews says that faith is “the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]” (Hebrew 11:1b).[3] Just like fear, faith is our conviction, or belief, in a reality that we can’t yet see. The only difference is that faith assumes God will come through for you, and fear assumes that He won’t. Is there any wonder why fear is so displeasing in the eyes of your Heavenly Father, who says in the same passage, “Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrew 11:6).[4] To God, “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:3). Other good definitions on faith from some bible dictionaries and commentaries is that faith is: “The assurance of things hoped for, a belief of confident attitude toward God, conviction, trust, belief, reliance, and a trustworthiness towards God.”[5]

Faith in Jesus helps us to overcome fear
Jesus taught that fear is indicative of little faith. Examples of this include when Jesus’s disciples were fearful of the storm at sea (Matthew 8:23-27), when Peter faltered as he went to Jesus, walking on the water (Matthew 14:25-33), as Jesus taught his disciples not to have fearful anxiety concerning the necessities of life (Luke 12:27-32), and when Jesus asked his disciples, “Why are you afraid? Do you not have faith?” (Mark 4:40). As someone once put it, “Fear is simply unbelief parading in disguise.” Could this be you?
Jesus addressed our worst fears. When we fear what we might face in this life, Jesus promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The writer of Hebrews confidently asserted, “With the Lord at our side, what can man do?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). The worst that can happen, for most people, is death, but Jesus has conquered death. His own victory over death frees us from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Thus, the apostle Paul could face death with great confidence, even anticipating it (Philippians 1:21-23). People also fear what might come after death. Jesus comforted his disciples with the promise of eternal life that lies ahead (John 14:1-3). Paul looked forward to the eternal life he would receive (2 Timothy 4:1-3).
When we’ve overcome these fears through faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, our other fears will seem petty by comparison. Psalm 53:3-4 reminds us, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.” Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” The same prophet added, “I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, don not fear, I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13). A godly fear helps us to overcome phobias and worries. Proverbs 14:26 assures us, “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of refuge.”
True faith and confidence – strong confidence – comes from God.[6] The Bible emphasizes our need for faith. Perhaps you are lacking faith and confidence. Can you have faith in this faithless age? Yes, you can. How? Romans 10:17 assures us, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the world of God.”[7] The Bible tells us we must have faith in order to be saved (Hebrews 11:6). Paul reminds us in Romans 12:3, “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” If you believe “all things are possible” (1 Corinthains 4:18).

How to Increase Your Faith: Reading God’s Word
Here is how your faith is built up and increases into the higher ranges over time. This next verse will tell us exactly how faith is able to enter into us, and from there, how it can actually grow into these higher levels over time: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). “Hearing” means that the word of God is entering into your mind either through “reading” the Bible or “hearing” someone preach or teach about the Bible. Either way, the word of God is entering into your mind where you receive it.[8]
What the Bible is trying to tell you is that if each person will spend some good quality time trying to read and understand the Bible, then the low amount of faith that you have started out with will actually start to grow. Why? Your mind is receiving direct information and knowledge about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and all of their ways. As you start to read all about God in the Bible and all of the miracles that he has done in the past with other people, your own personal levels of faith will start to grow and build up on the inside of you because you are actually starting to believe what you are reading. The Holy Spirit will also be bearing witness on the inside of you that what you are reading is real, pure, God truth.
When you start reading all of the healings that Jesus did, all the healings that the apostles did, and all of the verses on how God can heal and answer your prayers, your faith will start to grow and build on the inside of you maybe from a “1” to a “3” or “4.” The “3 or 4” may be just enough faith and belief that God will need to heal you. But before he will heal you, he may want your faith levels built up to that range. It is built up to that range by soaking into all the verses pertaining to divine healing. Your faith is growing as you are “hearing” the word of God on this issue. “Hearing” in this case means you are reading the Bible verses for yourself and believing what you are reading. The Bible instructs us to pray daily. If we humble ourselves to seek God in prayer, and if we read the Bible seeking to do God’s will, he will give us more faith and more peace of mind. As the apostle Paul wrote, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Three times in the New Testament we read that “the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). As we draw closer to God in our actions and in our prayers, we can have the godly fear that will help us face our frustration, and experience the benefits of faith.[9]
God wants us to pray to him. “Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things” (Jeremiah 33:3). “If any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God who will give it to you” (James 1:5). Jesus assumes that we will pray to God, “When you pray, got to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:6). The Bible teaches that God wants us to pray to him and assumes that we will. “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). Paul encourages, “I urge that petition, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people” (Timothy 2:1). Prayer requires faith. It is not a magic formula for getting what we want. When you pray, faith must be present.
I felt like this really came from the Holy Spirit. He said to me; “If the Bible says that faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain, what do you think faith the size of a golf ball can do? Or faith the size of a baseball? Or faith the size of a basketball?” This means that your faith is capable of growing. The mustard seed is supposed to be one of the smallest of all seeds. The above analogy tells us two things: First, that your faith can literally grow in the Lord over time – from a mustard seed size – to a golf ball size – to a baseball size – to a basketball size, etc. Here is the verse that will specifically tell us that our faith levels are capable of growing in the Lord: “because your faith grows exceedingly” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Second, look closely at the above analogy. The Bible says that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains! This means that we do not have to have our faith levels up in the 5 – 8 category to get God to become very active in our lives. All we need is a very small amount of faith to get the show going with God.[10]

Conclusion
Where there is faith, fear cannot abide. Some common sayings give us good principles on this topic, such as, “Feed your faith, and your fears will starve to death;” or “Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there;” or “Fear and faith cannot keep house together; when one enters, the other departs.”
Perfect love, perfect Agape, is walking uprightly. It’s intentionally living a Godly, spiritually strong life based on the knowledge of God’s word. When we have perfect love, perfect Agape, it gets rid of fear. First John 4:18 also says that if you have fear in your life, you are not walking in an Agape lifestyle or mindset. You are failing to be made perfect in love.
In John 16:32, Jesus assured his apostles, “Indeed the hour is coming, yes has now come, that you will be scattered each to his own, and will leave me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” God will not abandon you. He is with you 24/7. As 1 John 5:4-5 reminds us, to those who believe, their faith can be the victory to overcome the world!
Jesus addressed our worst fears. Jesus promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The old saying reminds us, “The Bible has 7000 promises to cover any problem you may have.”[11] Here is how Harry Emerson Fosdick contrasted fear and faith. He said, “Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear sickens, faith heals; fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable; and, most of all, fear puts hopelessness at the heart of life while faith rejoices in its God.”[12] The scriptures support these contrasts. John 14:1 says, “Fear not. Let not your hearts be troubled.” Why? The verse continues, “You believe in God. Believe also in me!”
If anyone gives us reason to have faith in God, it is Jesus. He demonstrated his perfect faithfulness through the signs and wonders God worked through him. He demonstrated his faith through his own resurrection from the death, which proved him to be the Son of God. His faithfulness was evident through the works of his inspired apostles, whose overwhelming testimony gives us abundant reason to believe in who Jesus is and what Jesus taught. “Weak though I am, yet through his might, I all things can perform.”[13]
When we trust in God, and walk by faith, we will be unyielding, believing “under any circumstance, we will be more than conquerors!” If we walk by fear and we give in to the worldly thoughts caused by the manifestation of spiritual darkness “we will eventually be devoured.” God states that “if we faint when hard times come, it is because of one thing; we do not have enough knowledge of his word within us.”[14] Proverbs 24:10 warns, “If thou faint in the face of adversity, thy strength [knowledge of God’s word] is small” (narrow and thin, not solid). Knowledge of God’s word and his promises builds the foundation for us to walk on solid ground; ground that will support us under any situation, any circumstance: “The just live by faith” (Hebrews 10:26). The following Bible story is a perfect illustration of the power and purpose of faith to combat useless fear in our lives.

Bible Story: “Faith over Fear” (Mark 4:35 – 41)
What is the worst storm you’ve ever been through? Let’s read the account of a severe storm on the Sea of Galilee. Let’s read verses 35-41. How did the disciples react to this storm? And what did many of them do for a living? They were fishermen (Mark 1:16 – 19). How strong can we surmise this storm was? These seaworthy fishermen were accustomed to storms on the Sea of Galilee and this one must have been fierce for them to fear for their lives.
Are you annoyed when it looks like God is sleeping and ignoring the situation that has “swamped” you and threatens to drown you? Why do you think the disciples woke Jesus up? Did they want him to calm the storm or take cover? With their surprise at his calming of the storm, we can infer that they did not expect him to do so. Their “we” could include Jesus as well.
Why are the disciples still “terrified” even after Jesus calms the storm? This fear was not produced by the storm, but by the calm.[15] The sudden storm and sudden stillness caused brain overload. They were in fearful awe of the One who possessed authority to rebuke both the waves and themselves.
What did the disciples ask each other in verse 41? “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!” Tell us of a time God blew away your concept of him by a display of His power.
Someone read verse 40 for us. After their brush with death, Jesus doesn’t comfort, but rather scolds his disciples. Why is he so hard on them? Is there evidence in this passage that Jesus meant to enter this storm as a test of the disciples’ faith? Hint if needed: verse 37. Jesus suggested the boat trip himself, and promptly went to sleep. The application to our lives is that even when Jesus leads us “through the valley of the shadow of death,” we should fear no evil, for he is with us. We, too, can rest in faith during the storm. Our boat isn’t going down, because Jesus is on board. How would they have responded if they had had faith? They would not have awakened him and asked if he cared. They would have trusted his very presence to keep them safe.
In what areas of your life are you tempted to respond with fear rather than faith? As we go to prayer, consider how you will react when you are next tempted with those fears. Let’s ask Jesus to give us his rest of faith, and let’s worship him who commands all manner or winds and waves.
So if we wish to overcome fear, faith in Jesus Christ is the victory!
By Jeff Yeargain
jeffyeargain@att.net
Newport Beach, CA
[1] Mark A. Copeland, “Faith Is the Victory in Overcoming Fear,” at (http://executableoutlines.com/fv/fv_08.htm).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Mark A. Copeland, “The Epistle to the Hebrews: Faith that Pleases God,” at (http://executableoutlines.com/he/he_25.htm).
[5] Copeland, “Faith,” op. cit.
[6] Richard F. Ames, “Tomorrow’s World: Fear, Frustration, or Faith?,” tommorowsworld.org/cgi-bin/tw/tw/mag.cgi?catagory=magazine44
[7] Ibid.
[8] Michael Bradley, “What Is Faith?,” at (http://www.bible-knowledge.com/What-is-faith.html).
[9] Charles Spurgeon, “Faith Versus Fear,” at (http://www.eternallifeministries.org/chs_faith.htm).
[10] Michael Bradley, op. cit.
[11] Hal Lindsey, “The Hal Lindsey Report,” television airing, December 2008, at (http://www.hallindsey.com/).
[12] Harry Emerson Fosdick, “Fear and Faith,” at (http://www.famousquotesandauthors.com/authors/harry_emerson_fosdick_quotes.html).
[13] Copeland, “Faith,” op. cit.
[14] Ibid.
[15] As cited in Ibid., 105-106.

A Day of Prayer That Changed History

Intense National Prayer by Britain Saves 338,226 Soldiers
at Dunkirk in France during WWII

It was May 24, 1940, and 338,226 British soldiers had been driven to the water’s edge by the mighty German army in the small town of Dunkirk (France). They were waiting for certain death or imprisonment. It was at that desperate moment that the churches in Britain called for a national day of prayer. With the alarming deterioration of the military situation in France, many decided that it was, indeed, time to pray. On May 23 numerous political leaders, newspaper editors, and King George VI issued a call for a moment of prayer to be held on Sunday, May 26.[1]

No one could have anticipated what was to happen during those three momentous days. Just 24 hours after the call to prayer, Adolf Hitler inexplicably ordered his armies to halt, to the surprise and dismay of even his own generals.Two days later, on May 26, the nation gathered to pray. Church attendance skyrocketed, including a large gathering at Westminster Abbey, during which people pleaded with the Almighty to spare their husbands, sons and fathers at Dunkirk.[2]

Former Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain wrote this in his diary: “May 26, Blackest day of all…This was the National Day of Prayer.” In reality, it turned out to be one of the most dramatic turning points of the war. At seven o’clock that evening, a critical order was issued to attempt a desperate evacuation of Dunkirk. Every tiny vessel and private craft was sent across the often treacherous waters of the English Channel with orders to rescue as many men as possible before the arrival of the Germans.[3]

Hitler’s armies remained largely in place not only on the 24th, 25th, and 26th, but incredibly, until early June. Hitler still could have ordered an attack by his army infantry. Coincidentally, when Britain’s National Prayer commenced, Hitler became paralyzed from issuing the order to attack. He never made that critical decision for over a week. By that time the soldiers were successfully rescued. To this day, no one knows exactly why. The Fuhrer held victory in the palm of his hand, and yet he prevented his combat troops from finishing the job. The terrain around Dunkirk did not lend itself to a tank invasion. The decision before Hitler was, who will kill the 338,226 soldiers: either the air force or the tanks? A major tank division was less than 15 miles from Dunkirk at the time. Air force Commander Herman Goering persuaded Hitler to carry out the task using aircraft and Hitler agreed. This was a critical decision. If the decision had been made to use the tanks, the men would have been killed the very next day. Tanks are not subject to changing weather. Just before the German air force could commence their mission, thick fog overtook the French coast. Aircraft technology at the time could not fly in fog. The German planes could not fly until the fog lifted. The fog only abated partially until after the British soldiers were successfully rescued. It is also important to note that in fog the seas are flat and calm, making it easy for small boats to cross the English Channel. If the seas were rough, small boats could not have made the journey. Also, the beaches at Dunkirk had a sandy bottom which allowed the small craft to park on the beach while loading the soldiers. If the beach had a rocky bottom the boats could not have come close to the beach. If the seas had been rough, it would have made the rescue very difficult or impossible. God answered the intense prayers of Britain and Britain saved 338,226 soldiers from sure death or imprisonment. Hitler’s armies were halted by the same God who shut the mouths of the lions during Daniel’s night of peril. Just as the Lord heard the prayers of the Israelites so long ago, I believe He was listening when hundreds of thousands of believers in the UK were praying for divine intervention.[4]

On May 29, 47,000 were rescued; on May 30, 53,000; on May 31, 68,000; on June 1, 64,000.[5] The British leaders were jubilant and astounded. A total of 338,226 were successfully evacuated. Prime Minister Winston Churchill went on national radio to plead with all boat owners, even small boat owners, to rescue the soldiers. In fact, there were 6 destroyers and more than two hundred private boats, including small fishing boats and small pleasure craft.

The author of Five Days in London, John Lukacs, wrote this: “[Churchill succeeded] because of his resolutions and – allow me to say this – because of God’s will, of which, like every human being, [Churchill] was but an instrument. He was surely no saint, he was not a religious man, and he had many faults. Yet so it happened.”[6]

Time magazine, in its April 7, 1941 issue, in an article titled “Days of Prayers,” stated, “Thank God we were all spared the nightmare of Nazi tyranny. He heard the prayers of His people, not only in Britain, but in other parts of the world, during this time of tribulation. The outcome of the war, I am convinced, hinged at one critical moment on a National Day of Prayer in the Mother Country.”[7]

The same article stated, “Since the beginning of the war, Great Britain has observed two national Days of Prayer. The first was the dark Sunday, May 26, 1940, Dunkirk, France. . . . The second Day of Prayer was Sunday, May 23, 1941, when Adolf Hitler’s Balkan advance seemed to have the implacable flow of volcanic lava. Four days later came the upset in Yugoslavia. The same week came the British capture of Cheren and Harar, the Italian navel defeat in the Mediterranean. Twice Britain’s prayers had been answered.”[8]

One of the greatest lies of Satan is that prayer is not effective. Never believe it![9] God rescued 338,226 soldiers because of prayer.

“The effective, fervent prayer of the righteous man avails much”
(James 5:16).
“For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and He attends
their prayer” (1 Peter 3:12).
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive”
(Matt. 21:22).
“Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and
marvelous things” (Jeremiah 33:3).
“If any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God who will give it
to you” (James 1:5).
“When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your
Father, who is unseen” (Matt. 6:6).
“Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door
will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7).
“I urge that petition, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to
God for all people” (Tim. 2:1).
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray” (James 5:13).
“Yet you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2).
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we
will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
“You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued
under me those who rose up against me” (Psalm 18:39).

God answers prayer, and this story at Dunkirk is testimony that prayer does, indeed, work.

By Jeff Yeargain
Newport Beach, CA
jeffyeargain@att.net
1-949-645 0150, November, 2008
[1] James C. Dobson, “A Day of Prayer that Changed History,” Focus on the Family Newsletter, May 2000 (http://www2.focusonthefamily.com/docstudy/newsletters/A000000230.cfm).
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid. Gorton Carruth. The Encyclopedia of World Facts and Dates. New York: Harper Collins, 1993, 697.
[6] John Lukacs. Five Days in London. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2001,
[7] “Days of Prayer,” Time magazine, April 7, 1941,
[8] Ibid.
[9] Dobson, op.cit.