Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

All have defects of character, and it is not hard to find something that
jealousy can interpret to their injury. "Now," say these self-constituted
judges, "we have facts. We will fasten upon them an accusation from which
they can not clear themselves." They wait for a fitting opportunity and then
produce their bundle of gossip and bring forth their tidbits.
In their efforts to carry a point, persons who have naturally a strong
imagination are in danger of deceiving themselves and deceiving others.
They gather up unguarded expressions from another, not considering that
words may be uttered hastily and hence may not reflect the real sentiments of
the speaker. But those unpremeditated remarks, often so trifling as to be
unworthy of notice, are viewed through Satan's magnifying glass, pondered,
and repeated until molehills become mountains.
Is it Christian charity to gather up every floating report, to unearth
everything that will cast suspicion on the character of another, and then take
delight in using it to injure him? Satan exults when he can defame or wound
a follower of Christ. He is "the accuser of our brethren." Shall Christians aid
him in his work?
God's all-seeing eye notes the defects of all and the ruling passion of
each, yet He bears with our mistakes and pities our weakness. He bids His
people cherish the same spirit of tenderness and forbearance. True Christians
will not exult in exposing the faults and deficiencies of others. They will turn
away from vileness and deformity, to fix the mind upon that which is
attractive and lovely. To the Christian every act of faultfinding, every word
of censure or condemnation, is painful.
The Effects of Criticism of Church and Institutional Leaders
The spirit of gossip and talebearing is one of Satan's special agencies to
sow discord and strife, to separate friends, and to undermine the faith of
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