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            In 2 Kings 7:3-15 we have a picture of how rumors get started, how they work and how they ought to be handled. Four lepers, facing death in a famine, approached a Syrian camp hoping for the best. To their amazement they found the camp empty. Earlier the Lord had caused the Syrians to hear the sound of approaching armies and they fled leaving the camp intact. The lepers pillaged the camp to their delight. Their consciences got the better of them, so they went to the city gate of Samaria to report what they had discovered. When the report reached the king of the city he drew his own conclusions of a master takeover plot by the crafty Syrians. But, before a rumor to this effect could get started a servant persuaded the king to send others to “Go and see” if his assumptions were correct (Vs. 14). That action yielded the truth and put a stop to a false rumor.

            If a rumor was to circulate about a good brother in Christ would we trouble ourselves to “go and see” what the truth might be? When brotherhood talebearers go on social media speaking things of which they know not do we think that the matter is fully and accurately represented? If a rumor casts suspicions on a brother’s character are we quick to believe it? If we read something about a good sister that disturbs us what would keep us from going to her and asking about it? Are we too shy, fearful or cowardly? Do we really care what the brother or sister has to say? Would we brush off our duty to go to them with the notion that the evidence speaks for itself? And what evidence would that be? Would it be the “evidence” of long-established rumors? Or, even if we were to allow the accused person to speak for him or herself would we dismiss their words as lies? Maybe it is simply easier to read what is said in whatever form of media. In the matter of one who offends us Jesus taught the wisdom of going to the person and discussing the problem face to face (Matthew 18:15-17). If this practice were to be utilized in the area of false reports it would seem that the rumor mills would be much less popular.