Hello everyone,
This entry finds me in a very thoughtful position. Sometimes, even when we try so hard not to do something, we end up being the "cause" of a problem. I've been reassured several times that I wasn't the cause, but I know that had I kept quiet about a situation that was going on, no one would have been upset. But the situation had to be talked about, hence the "thoughtful position".
Where do we draw the line between gossip and being helpful? Is it gossip if someone gets hurt? Is it gossip if someone gets hurt and it wasn't talked about? Where do you draw that line? I know that God only wants "good" to come out of our mouths. The book of James talkes about our tongues and the damage we cause by not controlling it. Do our intentions come into play when we "talk" to each other. I really don't know. I do know that I'll be watching my tongue VERY closely from now on. I don't like hurting people and I especially don't like people that I love being hurt because of something I may have said. It just isn't right.
If anyone out there has any advice for me, please leave a comment. You know, we can try daily to do the right thing. I know this because I do...try everyday to be the nicest person I can be. I mess up as I think we all do, from time to time. But despite all the mistakes we make, I also know that I'm covered by the grace and mercy of God. And with a repentant heart, HE will forgive me and help me to become a stronger person. Knowing this makes my life on the porch good. Be blessed, I know I am. |
Posted by 
Jun. 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
There was a situation.
People knew about this situation.
No one tried to 'resolve this situation' (matthew 18?)
Everyone was 'hush hush' about it (which usually means they are gossiping about it behind closed doors instead of trying to resolve it)
Someone finally spoke out.
Now there is a problem.
The line between Helpful and Gossip is clear.
Scripture is HELPFUL
Matthew 18:15-20
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18 "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
EVERYTHING ELSE IS GOSSIP.
SO, if you have worked things out according to Scripture, then it is good. If everyone did it 'their way' it's gossip, and not good!
HTH
Laura