Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9)
Oh, it’s so tempting… You don’t know any of the people
involved. I could give them fake names. They aren’t likely to read my blog. I’m
not malicious, I’m just providing an example of the passage… or, I just want to
hear your wise answers to how I should deal with this situation… or I want you
to recognize that I understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been there.
Yeah. This is one of those temptations that we succumb to
all too frequently. Some clever person
came up with the idea to think before saying things, meaning to ask ourselves:
T -
is it True?
H - is it Helpful?
I - is it Inspiring?
N - is it Necessary?
K - is it Kind?
But
let’s be real. Even if we could remember the words that went with each letter
of think at the time when we need to, chances are good that we would
find some justification. If nothing else, when we’re praying about it as a
group, isn’t it absolutely necessary that the whole group know every detail so
that they can agree? How often are what we call our prayers gossiping? Even to
God!
We
need to ask ourselves questions about what we say, but perhaps our questions
should be simpler than T.H.I.N.K. What if, instead of asking “Is it true,
helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind?” we asked, “Is it loving?” or “Will it
bring everyone closer together?” Based
on today’s passage, these are the same question. Love unites. Another approach,
from the negative perspective, can be asked. “Will it hurt a relationship?” If
it does, it’s not love, which means it’s wrong. Sin separates.
Gossip is never ok someone is always hurt. The Bible tells us if you have something against someone go to that person and clear it up ( my words)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - but it's so easy to weasel our way around it. We justify it to ourselves.
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