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Thinking ...

         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.

                Take your pick of the three.

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2023 at 3:50 AM

    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)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen A. KeilFebruary 21, 2023 at 8:15 AM

      Absolutely - but it's so easy to weasel our way around it. We justify it to ourselves.

      Delete

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