De-Escalate Gossip by Adding Value to Each Soul -Part 3
- Vernita "Neat" Simmons
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Dear One, we will end this series with final words from the Bible regarding breaking the cycle of gossip. Have you been sitting at the table where others gossip and badmouth others? Usually, when this happens, I either walk away or tell others, If I don’t ask, don’t tell me. Sometimes I even share a scripture. Here is one more scripture in my heart to give them.
James 3:7-15 warns us of the consequences of using our mouths to bless God, then to turn around and curse others. He expects us to break the cycle of judging, bitterness, and badmouthing. You may find yourself joining in the conversation and following their example. Dear One, sooner or later, those same people will be doing the same to you.
Titus 3:2 encourages us not to speak evil of anyone. Choose to bring peace and speak well of others rather than badmouth anybody. Even when someone puts you down, do not pay evil for evil. Forgive them because some people just do not know any better. Their heart have been contaminated and espoused to all manner of wrongdoings. When such behaviors build up for years, it become their norm.
Be a law-abiding citizen. Be a source of encouragement, and do not stir up hatred and contention. De-escalate tension and bring calm where there is anger and confusion. Master your tongue to keep it from slandering and resist arguing. Be friendly and kind to everyone, and let your words infest the world with the love of God.
… to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Titus 3:2, ESV
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. (Psalms 34:13)
Dear One, you must dismantle gossip, slander, and spreading rumors, and never use your mouth to cause harm to anybody. Our words have the power to destroy or bring life. So, let the fruit of your words restore a broken relationship. That one statement can heal an individual, family, or nation. Or it could travel the globe and contaminate everyone it touches. Allow the fruit of your words to add value to each soul you speak to. They will never be the same, while you will make your heavenly Father proud!
Dear One, may the song, Give Me Jesus touch and convict you profoundly and draw you closer to Him and away from gossiping.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Handling Offensives with Dignity
TIME FOR REFLECTION: Realizing that being a Christian means to be Christ-like, what do you think of those who want you to accept that there is no harm in gossiping? How will you respond to those who sit around and gossip? Let's talk about it in the comments below. Hit that heart and share this message with others.
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