"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29
"Have you heard what the City Council wants to build with our taxes?” “Somebody told me that the manager makes inappropriate comments to the female employees.” Spreading rumors is the favorite pastime of many, including public figures and influencers who have a broad audience. Gossip can be the “Did you hear about…” moment when you reveal the “truth.”
But what is the purpose of gossip? To make us feel superior; to feel like we are an insider; or to demean a person we don’t like? We are all acutely aware of the consequences of spreading rumors. Reputations have been ruined; families have broken apart; and lives have ended. In Ephesians, Paul didn’t differentiate between a tiny tale and an enormous exaggeration. Once an accusation has been spread, it’s almost impossible to prove that something DID NOT happen—the damage has been done. Before we talk about other people, we need to ask if what we’re about to say will benefit those who listen.
Prayer: Lord God, guide
us to think before we speak. Help us to
ask how our words will benefit those who listen as well as the ones we are
talking about. Remind us to speak so as
to build others up. Amen
Carol
McClain
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