Gossip..it's an evil, evil word. We all participate in it. Us Southern gals like to follow it up with "bless their heart" as a way of saying we care about them and that's the only reason we are discussing it. Do not be fooled. We participate in it because it makes us feel better about ourselves. If so and so has that problem, then our lives can't be that bad. If everyone is talking about so and so then they are not focused on what you are doing. Not true. I have found that if you have a friend(s) that will participate in slander with you, then you can bet your house they are doing the same thing behind your back. And you know the worst part? You are probably doing the same thing behind theirs. It's a hateful cycle that just continues. We do it to build ourselves up. This is not good. Your character should speak for you; you should not have to speak for your character. You want to become a person that can be trusted. You want people to be able to confide in you (and we will get into the whole listening, not talking, thing with friends later) and to know that it will not go beyond that. Gossip and slander destroys families, friends, churches, even nations. So my children, I desire that you will learn this lesson early on and that it will not be a lesson learned because of something you have done. Learn from your parents. I tell you this because I am now realizing how much hurt and pain it can cause. I realize the guilt that comes with years of slander, not realizing, actually not wanting to admit, it's slander. You do not want to spend your life second guessing every conversation and then calling people because you owe them an apology. Talk words that are uplifting and of the Lord. (We will discuss good/bad flattery later) When speaking, picture every conversation as if it were with the Lord. Because it is. He is in everything and is sitting beside you all the time, even when we do not want to acknowledge Him. Choose friends who will encourage you not to discuss others. Choose friends who do not engage in this. It's hard. Remember to not be too hard on yourself when you do slip. Go to the person, humbly seek forgiveness and ask forgiveness from our Creator. And remember that lesson. May you learn and grow from every mistake.
I love you guys and I pray that as you grow taller and mature that you will grow and mature even more in our Christ Jesus.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
1 comment:
that was excellent. even though i'm not one of your kids....thank you. :)
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