It’s going to happen.
At some point in our lives, even if we try to avoid it, we will hear gossip. As believers in Christ
Jesus, when gossip inevitably hits our ears I believe we have a responsibility
to respond with action.
True or false, we are now privy to secret knowledge
about someone else’s life.
Let’s challenge ourselves to keep the following three responses in
mind.
*First, step in their shoes. True or false, we put on
glasses of grace, mercy, empathy, and love.
We try to determine what they might be going through. What could be the
possible cause, weakness, or struggle that led them astray?
*Secondly, before
taking one more step we start praying. If we listened to the
gossip, we are now held responsible. Secretly start battling in prayer for the
persons involved. Take it as a direct assignment from the Lord. Pray over the
situation, the people involved, the possible struggles, and for God to
intervene, heal, and convict.
*Thirdly, stay silent. Loud
in prayer, quiet in voice. We should tell no one what we heard. As though our life
depended upon it, let's hold ourselves accountable before God to not continue the cycle
of gossip.
***(Obviously,
if this gossip contains any illegal reports or form of abuse
you would report to authorities.)
“Whoever
belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.”
Proverbs 11:12
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