God's timing as always is perfect! My hubby sent me this one this morning from Crosswalk.com Daily Heartlight Verse. It starts out with:
Proverbs 17:9
"He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."
It goes on to talk about we think that it's simple gossip that will do no harm. But that is not the case. When we talk about others, we are actually doing damage. There is no such thing as simple gossip. Taming the tongue is not an easy task for those of us that have gossiped for so many years.
I'll admit, I never thought of it as being damaging when discussing problems and what not. But it extended beyond problems, it took on talking about them other than the problem to be dealt with. And instead of taking it to the Lord, we would complain and "gossip." We never thought of it as gossip.
We think, well it's just between us, it's not going to hurt anyone. Well it does hurt others, as the more we complain about someone, the more damage we do towards them in the listeners eyes. We can end up turning someone away, or changing their attitudes towards them, etc. This is exactly what had happened. It's not fair to the person(s) being discussed as they are not able to defend themselves. Perhaps we are seeing things in a different light than what is really happening, which is not fair either.
When a problem exists, it is best to confront the person or let it go and hand it over to the Lord, and of course, pray!
The following is the thoughts on the verse from Crosswalk:
Thoughts on today's verse:
"It's just a little harmless gossip." The Wise Teacher reminds us that gossip is neither little nor
harmless. Its consequences are huge and its damage horrible. Instead, it is much better to be a peacemaker and an offense-mender.
Thought this was a good little reminder of what we should be watching for.
May God Bless you and protect you always.
Make a ripple and watch it grow and grow.
Remember to P.U.S.H.
6 comments:
Thank You, Tammy for posting. I, too, am guilty of this offense.
I try daily to leave it all at God's feet. yet sometimes, I tend to vent and make someone I love so dearly look horrible, because of the actions he's done.
I expect too much from God at times. I want results NOW. I remind myself, Heaven has no time limits. Earthly beings have time limits. God works, and listens.. fixing the problems on HIS time. Not on Princess Tami's time. (My dad reminded me of this) LOL
Let God work his miracles, HE WILL. I just have to realize.. HIS TIME.. not mine.
Oh how easy it is to slip down that slope. You are out with your friends for coffee or whatever and it is just natural to dip into someones business. Someone who isn't there, of course. Funny how we seem to have all the answers at the tip of out tongues...among ourselves. Funnier still how we never seem to put them into action.
Peace - Rene
Thank you for my daily dose!
It is as you say. If we sow sin (gossip) there is no question, it will grow. We may not see when it's fruits come, but come they will. Thank you for the reminder.
I hear you Tami. It's hard trying to avoid the flesh and worldly ways. The good thing is we know better and try to avoid it. And for trying to be patient, hee hee, that has been really hard. Yes, you are so right, it's by God's timing. My hubby is the one that reminds me of this all the time. Thanks for sharing.
Rene, so true. This is when it's hardest is when we're with friends. The one that I really open up to I've talked to and told her that I really need to stop doing this. Auuuggghhhh!!! And of course hubby, my son, and little sister hear the most when I'm frustrated with family. :( Someday. Thanks for commenting.
So true Chris. I think that is the thing we tend to forget the most is the fact that gossip does grow. Often times we think, "Oh it will just stay between us, but seldom does. Thanks for your comments.
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