We can’t believe the things we see some people do.
Who drives down a one-way street the wrong direction?
Or drinks sour milk to test if it’s still good?
Or gossips about things other people have done—what?!? Now you’ve gone too far. You’re stepping on my toes, not someone else’s.
Besides, it’s not gossip if it’s true. Seriously, it isn’t, is it?
Let’s see what James 4:11 has to say.
“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.”
God does not expect, want, or allow us to be judge, jury, and executioner. Our path (as shown to us by Jesus) is that of love, care, and consideration.
Speaking evil (repeating bad things, even when true) of our brothers and sisters is not acceptable. Not even when we can prove it really happened.
Don’t say it. Just don’t. Be kind. Think of them. Would you tell your story with the person listening, or would that make you feel guilty?
This verse gives us two reasons to be kind.
First, we become their judge. We’ve already evaluated the good or bad qualities of their actions, and we’ve formed an opinion. We never stop to ask ourselves what we don’t know about the situation.
Second, we become worse than they are. Whatever they’ve done, our action is worse. We’ve become a gossip, spreading information because it’s juicy, exciting, and empowering.
So, let’s get back to our solution. Don’t say it. Just don’t. Be kind, and the world will be a kinder place to live.
Christ is our example, and he showed kindness to everyone he met.
Our plan in life must be to follow the example of Jesus.
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Code: FGO.F.10.19b.vp.esv