When sharing in a Christian environment the written and unwritten law is to not share without the person’s permission. What is shared in any Christian group setting should remain in that group. Each group has to foster and enforce trust to allow people to feel comfortable sharing. Whether it is a terrible thing that has been done or multiple good works performed, it is not our place to share the story. It does not matter if it is family members, close friends, distant friends, or the body of Christ.
Many things can go wrong if this information is made public, especially if the person does not wish this to be shared. We have to respect personal boundaries. We must understand that even if it is good news it should only be shared by the person who has lived the story. Sometimes we feel the news is so good that it must be shared. What Does The Bible Verses Say About Right to Privacy? There is a slippery slope into the realm of gossiping when sharing confidential information you want to share.
Gossiping is the total opposite of sharing information you feel is helpful to others, good news, or for a good reason. Even when you share tough times to garner sympathy or empathy to encourage help from others you could be gossiping. You must always be careful when sharing the details of someone’s personal life. Think about the content you are sharing, the spirit in which you are sharing, and to whom you are sharing this information. As followers of Jesus Christ, we should handle information given in private most confidentially unless permitted to share. What do God, Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have to say about the right to privacy? Let’s review the following passages on Privacy.
Good News
Good news can come in the form of an achievement or a milestone reached, good fortune, weddings, new babies, good works, etc. These things can make us extremely happy, and we will burst if we don’t tell someone. Many will rejoice to hear of your good fortune, as well as weep when you have not-so-good news. However, sometimes your good fortune can generate jealousy and resentment in others. Especially, if they are in a valley instead of a mountaintop.
They may wonder why God is not blessing them at this moment. This could lead to feelings of discontent that can test their faith. Hence, this could lead to them being unable to be happy for you or to thank God for your blessing. We must remember what God has for you is yours and what He has for others is theirs. He will provide what each of us needs. However, others will rejoice in your good fortune and praise God with you.
Therefore, we should be careful when sharing our good news. We do not want to come off as bragging or boasting about our good fortune. Our boasting should be in the Lord. The Bible considers boasting in our arrogance as evil. It is better to privately give thanks to God for all that he has done for us. However, if you wish to share always begin by thanking God first.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 ESV
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. Proverbs 14:30 ESV
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV
As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. James 4:16 ESV
Sharing Good Works
We all want to share the good things happening to us as well as the good things we have done. We do not need to share everything about our private lives good or bad with others. In the same way, we do not have to share all the good deeds we have performed. The Bible cautions about letting the right hand know what the left hand is doing. God knows all that we do for our fellow man. We will be rewarded for these things.
Therefore, there is no need to boast. The Word of God speaks about this. We do not always have to share or brag about the things we have done or have obtained. Who are we trying to impress? For all that we do should be to bring glory to the Father. It is a good idea to be careful with whom we share the good, the bad, or the ugly.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, Matthew 6:3 ESV
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV
To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:20 ESV
Sharing Sinful Behavior With Others
On the other hand, sin comes in the form of lying, stealing, murder, sexual immorality, etc. When we wish to grow in our love for God we must recognize our sins, confess, and repent. As we seek the counsel of our brothers and sisters in Christ we must trust them with our transgression in helping us seek God. They are there to bear our burdens with us, not to convince, convict, or save us from our sins. Christ’s followers are called to exhibit healthy boundaries and discretion when hearing of our sins.
The best way to help others is to warn them of their sin and encourage them in their walk with God. They can take this time to share how the Spirit of God worked with them to overcome the sin in their lives. However, Christians should never use any of this information against us by sharing it with others. Our confession is not fodder for gossip or to use as a good example to others. God will refute them for this transgression.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 ESV
But if you warn the righteous person not to sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning, and you will have delivered your soul.” Ezekiel 3:21 ESV
No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 ESV
Christians and Sharing
When our sister or brother sins and shares this information with us, it is because we can be trusted. They know that their sin is safe with you and that you are helping them to repent and turn from this sin. Our duty to our neighbors is to pray with them and for them. We are called to love our neighbors this is the second most important command from Jesus.
Loving our neighbors requires us to be there for them. To listen and keep private information private. What goes on in our neighbor’s house should remain in confidence. Hence, this is one of the ways we can show love to our neighbor. Our neighbors have a right to privacy when they share sensitive information.
On the other hand, we are not required to share all aspects of our lives with the Christian community. You can request silent prayers so that the Holy Spirit can communicate wordlessly with God. Remember God is all-knowing and all details do not have to be shared. No one should encourage others to share every detail of the transgression. We can get the gist of things and still understand.
We are all sinners and fall short of God’s glory. Therefore, from our trials and tribulations, we should have compassion and empathy for our Christian brothers and sisters. It should be the same compassion God has for us.
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 ESV
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 ESV
For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. Psalm 135:14
Nothing Is Private To God
As far back as the Old Testament God has been with us and is all-knowing, He has seen the hearts of man. God knows what they are capable of. And yet He has always been our helper in times of trouble. There is no man on Earth that we should fear.
God has also seen our deepest and darkest thoughts. He has heard the things we have said to others. God knows what we have done in the dark when no one was there to witness our transgressions. Yet the Lord loves us and wants us to have eternal life. I cannot fathom this level of love that He has for us when I know He has seen what we have done in private. Therefore, I cannot lean on my understanding of God. I must simply trust His unconditional love for us despite our wicked ways. God’s steadfast love is the reason that he wants to help us. Therefore, I know God will always be with me.
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 ESV
So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 ESV
he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. Daniel 2:22 ESV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 ESV
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Jesus And Privacy
Jesus is the image of god. He is the Word of the Lord. Christ Jesus wanted our own image to mirror God as well. His sole purpose was to teach us to love God with our hearts, soul, mind, and strength. Jesus also wanted us to keep the things we do for God out of love private. One of the things He encourages us to do is to keep our fasting private from others. This is a form of worship between you and God. Therefore, we should go about our daily lives while fasting without showing any outward gloom or discomfort.
Also, our private prayer time with God is to be cherished. Jesus spent a lot of time in private with God praying. We should follow His example when we pray and read His Word. Reading the word allows the Holy Spirit to speak to us, and for us to speak with God. Followers of Jesus are called to rejoice in hope, to be patient, and to be in constant prayer.
that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:18 ESV
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. Matthew 6:16 ESV
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6 ESV
The Holy Spirit Speaks Privately To Us
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would teach and remind us of all the things He said. The Holy Spirit would be our helper and was sent to guide us. The Spirit will speak with us privately to help us in times of trouble. The Holy Spirit speaks the truth to us from God. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will know what to do when we are unsure of how we should speak about private matters. Especially, if remaining quiet might cause more harm to the person or others.
For example, if it is regarding breaking the law. You are required to share details of a crime to law enforcement. This goes without saying. If you elect to cover up the crime you are now part of the sin and an accessory to the crime. Therefore, let the Holy Spirit guide you in your decisions regarding privacy. The Holy Spirit will always help you with your prayers and guide you to do the right things.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 ESV
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26 ESV
Recap of What Does The Bible Verses Say About Right to Privacy?
I hope the above passages gave you insight into privacy and the Christian life. We are called to bear each other’s burdens with love and compassion. These burdens should remain private and not lead to gossip. We should encourage and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ. As Christians, we should guide them in their confessions and lead them to repentance. However, all the details of daily life do not have to be shared.
Private prayer guided by the Holy Spirit will serve the purpose. It is more important to let them know that we serve an all-knowing God filled with compassion and love. Together we can joyfully worship our Lord because He is able to forgive all our sins. Jesus is the reason that salvation is possible. This salvation leads to eternal life. We just have to put all our faith and trust in the love of God.
Finally, as Christians, we should be careful in sharing good news or good works as the glory belongs to God. We do not want the focus to be on ourselves where we are bragging and boasting about ourselves. Everything Jesus did was for the glory of the Father in heaven. Always give thanks to God. He is the orchestra of all good things.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV
Steps To Ensure You Maintain Privacy Of Others
- Never share private information shared with you with others
- Do not judge or convict
- Know that God is all-knowing and you don’t always need the full details
- Seek Jesus privately in being the vessel for someone to share
- Be guided by the Holy Spirit in any actions you take
- Have a heart filled with compassion and empathy
- Focus on loving your neighbor
- Understand that this is a great responsibility
- Serving in this capacity is worshipping God