Words,
they can lift up or knock down.
they can lift up or knock down.
They can bring comfort, and encourage,
and they can wound very deeply.
I've been the recipient of encouragement, and comfort.
I have also experienced the devastating pain of gossip.
Especially if the gossip is untrue, there is no way to measure the pain.
I don't have to tell you which one I prefer....
We are given the gift of communication and with it comes a huge responsibility.
Gossip, it's likely the biggest misuse of our language.
Aside from the pain it can cause another, it's not pleasing to God.
If you are a Christian, it certainly won't attract any one to Him!
Once the gossip leaves our mouths, there is no stopping it.
No telling how big it can get and most importantly it can,
never be unsaid.......
James 3:5-6
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire,
and is itself set on fire by hell.
Some try and hide the fact it's gossip ,
we put a mask on it and call it concern,
or you gotta love, "so-n-so needs prayer and here is why"....
As a Christian I know there is no place for gossip in my life.. It concerns me enough
that I have struggled with, "is this gossip or not"? It's a fine line to be sure.
It's described as a heart issue, I have to agree.
Matthew 12:34
...... For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
~
I think there is much behind why one might involve themselves in gossip.
Jealousy, Malice, low self-esteem....to name a few.
Sadly there is most always a negative consequence..
For the person being talked about it's beyond hurtful, can cause feelings of shame,
divide friendships, families ...the list is long!
To the one spreading the gossip...to a large extent, you are tossing away your
own integrity. Gossiping, reveals the state of your own heart, and doesn't
say much about one's character.
I believe it can prevent one from having any good strong relationships in life...
you pretty much prove yourself untrustworthy to others if you are a gossiper.
Maybe we need to think more before we speak....
Purpose to use words that lift up, fill hearts, comfort, and praise~
There's and idea!
We have all been guilty of gossip at some point in our lives..lets look at it
as a really big deal, no rationalizing it, no more excuses....
~
When the heart changes, so should the words that leave our mouths...
Now, go say something great about someone!
Words....are what echo from my heart today....
I too have been on the receiving end of hurtful words. It's painful. But being imperfect, I'm sure I've also said/shared some words that hurt others just as much. It's amazing how God loves us in spite of those flaws, and tugs at our hearts when we utter those words BECAUSE He wants us to be better ... and He lovingly points us in the right direction. Thank you for the post...
ReplyDeleteWell said, Debi. I always enjoy your thoughtful posts.
ReplyDeletexoxo
This was another really good post. I think if most women (or men) were honest they would admit that gossip is something that can happen quickly, spiral out of control, and have a real hold on you for one reason or another. I have had times where it has been an issue where the Lord has had to chastise me, and other times where I have avoided it like the cancer it is. Most times it is really pretty innocent and doesn't really do much damage, but is wrong nonetheless. But there have been times where it has become a habit and repentance and forgiveness has had to asked. These days I do try to watch every word that comes out of my mouth, and to avoid those who I know tend to do nothing but gossip. It is hard I will admit. But I do want to be edifying to others, encourage and build up, and remember always that God HATES gossip. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThe power of words is so unbelievable! This post is so important and so filled with truth! In my old age, I have seen words do far more damage than I could have ever imagined. My mother would tell us over and over again, "If you don't have anything kind to say about someone, than don't say it!"
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post! I appreciate you so much!
Your new blog look is so pretty, especially from one like me who loves red roses!