I have an issue with people who discuss other people behind their backs, who insist on sharing private details of someone else's life with anyone who will listen. They do this with no thought of the consequences their actions may have. They do this from a position of false authority, from the belief that somehow they are better than another person and therefore have the right to besmear another person's life or actions.
God calls it judgement.
It took me a while to get my head around the fact that sometimes we need to talk about someone else. Thank You, Lord, for this clarification. If something someone does or says affects you personally, it's okay to talk to a trusted councillor or friend about the situation. That doesn't mean it is okay to talk to anyone and everyone about what is happening. It's okay to have someone help you decide on a plan of action if actions are needed. This is especially true in cases of abuse. Keeping silent about another's actions can be dangerous, even life threatening.
I'm having a hard time being polite about this, I am that furious.
Help me, Lord, understand why people gossip. Help me find the grace and tact to end any conversations that revolve around an absent third party. Especially when that discussion is not part of personal healing.
"The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise." Prov 15-31
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Boundary Study Part 2
"Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy...
Gossip and slander are sin. God's Word says so. There is something "delicious" in these sins - probably what you touched on - a feeling of superiority. I do believe we are called to make judgments in our lives. Scripture does talk about making decisions and good judgments, but there is a way to do it. And it does not include gossip or slander. Col. 3:8 That little tongue gets us in big trouble. James devotes almost a whole chapter on the little muscle. James 3. How encouraging to know the Spirit is working in you and giving you discernment. Walking away from such conversations is always best. It is amazing how we can disguise gossip under "Christian concern'. Balderdash.
ReplyDelete"For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged." Mat 7:2
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