DEVOTION - MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011

MONDAY, JANUARY 17^TH,  2011

“AVOIDING GOSSIP"

BY

DR JACK GRAHAM

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Proverbs 11:13

One sin that I think is constantly looked over in American Christianity today is that of gossip. Not only is it the most looked over, but it is also one of the most destructive to relationships because it happens in secret and explodes when it's revealed.

Now if you dislike someone and you want to hurt them, one way to do it is to spread gossip about them. Some may say, "Well, it's true, so I guess I can tell it." But spreading disparaging stories about someone, true or untrue, only dispenses hate.

On the other hand, if you really love that person, you want to cover their sin by keeping matters confidential. If your child sins, would you want people talking about it?  No, you would want to protect your child by covering that sin and dealing with it among trustworthy people.

One of the most dangerous tools you have is your tongue. It can either edify or it can tear down. The Bible says, "The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!" (James 3:5).

So before you talk, think. Ask yourself, "Is what I'm about to say edifying to others?" I don't mean for you to sugarcoat your speech and only say nice things all the time. But if you have criticism toward others, either take it directly to them or just let it be. That way, you will build others up and bring glory to God.

GOSSIP IS A DEADLY POISON FOR RELATIONSHIPS. LOVE OTHERS BY BUILDING THEM UP INSTEAD OF TEARING THEM DOWN.