Gossip is everywhere—break rooms, coffee shops, the gym, and, sadly, even in the church. Sometimes it’s obvious, like the example above. Other times it’s much more subtle.
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Lori, I also want to use my words to help others and build people up instead of hurt them or tear them down. It should change our perspective when we remember we will give an account to the Lord for every idle word.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sobering thought, Karen, and one that should make us guard our words and use them carefully.
DeleteWords can definitely hurt. I hope we all pray before we speak. Some thoughts do not need to be spoken.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Melissa, and when they’re spoken, we can never retrieve them. We must choose well.
DeleteBoy does #6 above ring true in my heart far more than it should. I don't know why for sure, but I somehow think it's tied to the curse for the original sin. I think the need for "comparison" leads to far too much judgment on my part. What an important question to ask myself before I start spouting my opinion about what I think someone should say or do. I need to first ask myself, what should I say or do. And if I did, I suspect more often than not, that answer would be the keep my mouth shut and allow God to deal with that person. Too often, we forget it is not out place to judge or convict people. Our job is to love them. Period. Thanks for your gentle reminders ma'am.
ReplyDeleteWell said, J.D., well said. So many of my regrettable words fall into this category, I’m sad to say. May the Lord refine us both!
DeleteI couldn’t agree more Lori. We need to be especially on guard when it comes to asking for prayer for someone. Ww may have pure motives but often it’s not something we should say to someone else
ReplyDeleteVery true, Ellen. We want to be a help, not a hindrance. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
DeleteLove this article. Reading Max Lucado book "How Happiness Happens" and a journal that goes with this book - "Happy Today". Not only does it talk about our personal happiness but others happiness. Encourage one another, Lift up one another, Pray for one another, Love onr another, plus more. This article could go along with Max Lucado book as well as confirm. Thank you for your blogs. I'm blessed every time I read your blogs.
ReplyDeleteAmen! An excellent point, susmitty. Thank you for YOUR kind words to me :)God's blessings!
DeleteYour post reminds me of the analogy about our words being like toothpaste. Once they're out, there's no taking them back. I've often wished I hadn't spoken when I did. Questions 5 and 6 and Ephesians 4:29 are perfect reminders to help us guard our speech.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jeannie, a perfect illustration! We can never take careless words back, can we? All the more reason to think before we speak.
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ReplyDeleteI am reminded to speak less and listen more often...
ReplyDeleteSomething I think the Lord showed me: Just because I can say it, doesn't mean I need to. I don't need to offer an opinion or comment whenever it suits me. It's far better to consider if what I want to say is going to hurt or help.
ReplyDeleteYour devotion speaks to me. I have been so hurt by gossip and loose talk. So saddened. I then sink into gloom and despair.
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