NOBODY’S FRIEND
My name is Gossip. I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.
The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.
My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name or face.
To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become.
I am nobody’s friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.
I topple governments and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indignation.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip. I make headlines and headaches.
~Author Unknown
Gossip is something that has been on my mind. I think almost everyone has been burned by gossip at one time or another, I also believe almost everyone is guilty of gossip. I know I have been.
Want to know who I think has the hardest time with gossip?
People within the church body.
I am not pointing a finger, because three would be pointing back at me. After reading the poem above I thought I would share it because it is a good reminder that we need to be careful what we say, even if what you are saying is true. I have found much of the gossip I have heard is said in “simple” conversations. It was not planned, it is a joke that may have slipped out about someone, or a passing comment about someone. It is rarely a time where you purposely come together to talk about another.
We need to be on guard.
Proverbs 11: 9;13
With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape… A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. (or his opinions about another person to themselves — add by me =) )
Ok off to work on the plank in my own eye.
I am amazed at how that little part of our body can do so much damage. And sometimes something comes out of my mouth so quickly, I want to stuff what I said back in. Gossip is terrible and causes so many divisions. Church is where we hope to be loved. May we all be convicted of this sin and pray for the Lord to control our tongues.
Miss you friend and love you,
Debbie
so true, so true.
Hi! After some very difficult circumstances in my life, I wrote a similar post- since then, God has used this post to re-speak to my heart on several occasions… perhaps you will enjoy…
http://belovedmama.blogspot.com/2007/10/can-we-change.html
Good to meet you! I’m now a follower
Very true, Lori. I especially like your added comment to Proverbs 11:9;13…
Ouch Lori! You’re right — too much of this in the Body of Christ! It is amazing how full of fire our little tongues can be!
On another note, thanks for the comment on my Laced with Grace post. I just did W9D1 of the Couch-2-5K yesterday and did great. I’m with you — running 30 minutes without stopping. Hallelujah! I give God the glory!!!
Have a blessed day!
Beth
Oh, how true this is and as sad as it is, so much damage happens in our churches where the love of the Lord should foremost!
What a great reminder for us to watch what comes out of our tiny mouths!!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
What a convicting post on gossip…especially this line:
“The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.”
Oh. So. True.
Keep up the insightful posts Lori.