Thursday's Thought A Weekly Inspirational Message "Something to help you through the remainder of the week." |
Thursday, October 26, 2006 Gossip and Talebearing You should have heard the gasps! When conducting a Bible Class, the question was raised, "How should you handle a person who makes some unkind remarks about another member?" After several members suggested what should be done, I offered the following: "I would respond, ‘I'm not sure the person knows how you feel towards him, so let's go to him now and you can tell him in person.'" There were gasps and then there was silence. Very few would be willing to go to the brother. Even fewer will have the courage to say the same things in person. What lesson is to be learned? Talking to someone else against brother or sister, either in person, having a telephone conversation, or sending an email provide a form of insulation and secrecy, but talking to the person face-to-face removes all insulation and allows no room for anonymity. If we are unwilling to say it to the person face-to-face, should we not refrain from saying it behind their back? Talebearer: One who spreads malicious stories or gossip. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter. Proverbs 11:13 A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends. Proverbs 16:28 He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool. Proverbs 10:18 |
© 2006 Thursday’s Thoughts by Ron Adams Back issues for 2006 available at http://thursdaythought.homestead.com |