Catechism
The Gift of By Rev. William M. Cwirla
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You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
What does this mean? We should fear and love god so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.
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ave you ever been the victim of gossip or slander? Has anyone ever spread lies about you or put your private sins in a public light? In these social media days of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat it’s easier than ever. One little click, comment, or picture and a reputation can be ruined. People have been driven to despair, depression, and even suicide over having their name and reputation dragged through the social media muck. Cyberbullying is a real problem, as is cyber-gossip and cyber-slander. Maybe you know someone who has experienced it. Maybe you have yourself. In the Second Commandment, God’s concern is over His Name and how we use it. In the Eighth Commandment, God’s concern is over the name of your neighbor. God’s desire is that we have a good name and reputation. He has covered our sin with the righteousness of His Son. He has named and claimed us as His own children in Holy Baptism. He has silenced the accusation of the Law against us. In God’s court, we aren’t simply declared “not guilty” but rather “innocent” and “holy.” Of course, that’s not in ourselves, but in Christ, who is our innocence and holiness. Our good name is Jesus’ good Name. The Eighth Commandment, first of all, applies to the courtroom, where we swear to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” This isn’t for our benefit but for our neighbor’s benefit. We may suffer injustice personally, but “everyone should help his neighbor maintain his rights” (Large Catechism). Lying in court is not only perjury, but a subversion of justice. Everyone suffers when lies are told in court. And God’s justice is mocked. The Eighth Commandment also speaks to how we speak about others. It deals with the works and sins of the tongue, which is like a wild beast that cannot be tamed (James 3:7-8). We are commanded to speak well of our neighbor, even if we know something ill about him, and to “put the best construction on everything.” If you can’t say something nice, then be silent until you think of something
good to say.“I may see and hear that my neighbor sins, but to make him the talk of the town (or social media) is not my business.” (Large Catechism). Indeed, “love covers a
