What can be done to rid oneself of this sin? Be hard on yourself! The chaos and unrest that gossip and talebearing are causing in families, in churches and everywhere is staggering!
I know of only one way to quit. Just stop doing it. Stop discussing your mother-in-law or your brother or boss or friend with others! When God gives a command, it is our responsibility to take it seriously and obey. Praying about this problem in your life is important, but plain obedience is what God is looking for. You must stop. Period.
You won’t stop if you don’t think things through and have a plan. Be prepared. Prepare a response which you can use when you find yourself in a situation where you are expected to join in. “Let’s not talk about her,” or “I know what you’re saying is true, but just think about the good things he does.” Bring up those good things and don’t give in no matter how the conversation goes.
I heard about a church where the chairman of the board and the Sunday School superintendent despised each other, a situation that had gone on for years. When a new pastor came, he soon heard the story of the hateful relationship. He made plans to meet separately with them.
In their private meeting with the pastor, each of them lit into the other, telling the pastor his side of the issue. The pastor closed each meeting by asking if there wasn’t something good they could say about the other. One man said that the other was a great soul winner and had such a soft heart towards the unsaved. The other man told the pastor, “Well, yes, he is the most faithful man at prayer meeting…never misses.”
The wise pastor met again with each of them separately, alone. This time he carefully wove into the conversation the kind thing each had said about the other. Both men were pleased. “He said that about me?” They became friends.
So, what will you do with this truth? Husbands and wives, do you tell each other news about others that should really end with you? Sisters and brothers, do you sit on the bed with another family member talking about perhaps another family member, saying things that are hurtful and mean? Stop it. Cold turkey. Do your phone conversations include gossip? That must stop. How dare you tell what you know and therefore ruin the reputation of another! In so doing, you close down the possibility of any kind of relationship between your listener and the person being smeared.
Here is a guideline. You’ve probably heard it before. I learned it when I was a young mother. I wish I could say I’ve followed it always. I have not, but it took root and it helped to put me on a path of desiring to overcome this sin which God hates.
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
No comments:
Post a Comment