Acts 8:4 has been paraphrased as follows: "Those who were scattered abroad went everywhere gossiping the Word." It is interesting to note that the first meaning of the word gossip was to "chat" or "rehearse." The early Christians, when scattered by persecution, could not help but repeat the glorious message of the gospel to everyone they met.

Good gossip, in the original sense of the word, can become a glorious instrument for spreading the truths of the gospel. When you get together with your friends, do you make it a point to discuss the things of the Lord? David said, "My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long" (Ps. 71:24). Another psalm says, "Talk of all His wondrous works!" (Ps. 105:2).

A woman was discouraged because she thought she had no opportunities to serve Christ. She couldn't teach or sing or do much in the church because she had a large family to care for. Then one day she realized that she could testify to the people who made deliveries to her house. It proved to be a wonderful avenue of service, and the Word of God bore fruit. Through witnessing she found great joy.

Wherever you are today, remember to seize every opportunity to "gossip" the gospel to everyone you meet.  — Henry G. Bosch