Dear Brethren in Christ,

I write to you today with a heart full of love, concern, and a deep desire to see not only our church fellowship grow in Christlikeness and unity, but to see the growth and glorious witness of Churches in general to impact our communities wherever you may be. It is my prayer that we will seek to honor Him not only in our worship and service but also in how we speak to and about one another.

Sadly, I must address an issue that Scripture warns us can deeply wound the body of Christ: the sins of gossip, backbiting, and being a busybody. These may seem like “small” sins to some, but God’s Word describes them as serious offenses that destroy friendships, fracture churches, and bring reproach upon the name of Christ.

The God’s Word speaks clearly on this:

• “A perverse man stirs up strife, and a whisperer separates close companions.” (Proverbs 16:28)
• “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for building up what is needed, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
• “Do not slander one another, brothers. He who slanders a brother or judges his brother, slanders the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it..” (James 4:11)

The Lord commands us to love one another deeply (John 13:34-35), to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and to avoid idle talk that tears others down. Gossip and slander do not honor Christ; they grieve the Holy Spirit and destroy the unity Christ purchased with His own blood.

It is my earnest plea that if you have found yourself caught in the habit of sharing unnecessary details, speaking poorly about others behind their backs, or involving yourself in matters that are not yours to manage, that you would humbly repent. Scripture assures us:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

The purpose of this letter is not to shame anyone, but to call each of us—including myself—back to the high standard of Christ-honoring speech and gospel-driven community. Let us build one another up, encourage the fainthearted, and strive for peace among ourselves (1 Thessalonians 5:11-13).

If you have been hurt by the words of others, I encourage you to seek peace, offer forgiveness, and pursue reconciliation. If you have spoken carelessly or harmfully, I lovingly urge you to make it right.

Let us remember:

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

May Christ churches, wherever they be found, be known as a place where grace abounds, where speech is seasoned with kindness, and where love covers a multitude of sins.

If you have any concerns, questions, or need counsel in this matter, I welcome you to reach out to me personally. It is a joy to walk with those who truly desire to pursue Christlike change and living testimonies!

With all love in Christ,

Bro. Michael