" T.H.I.N.K. Before You Speak "

Truly spiritual, mature Christians never gossip.  They merely investigate things they’ve heard and/or share it - but solely with the pure motivation of obtaining advice about how to handle the situation; pray appropriately; or intervene to keep unity among believers.

If you believe that, not only do I have a bridge for you to buy in Brooklyn, but it means you’re prone to gossip. Guess what?  There isn’t a human being dead or alive who wasn’t or isn’t prone to gossip.  I’m not saying that we are “gossips” (meaning our pictures are there beside the dictionary definition) but that gossiping is, beyond a doubt, a problem for everyone.  And since none of us is immune - that means it’s a problem in every church. I definitely don’t believe it’s rampant, unchecked, or out of control in the body of Christ at Jackson.  It’s that we all need to be aware of it so that it never becomes a problem.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

We often think the Apostle Paul’s admonition in this Scripture verse focuses solely on forbidding swearing, cursing someone or using foul language.  But included in the unwholesome talk Paul speaks of is any talk- true or otherwise - that isn’t meant to edify or minister grace, love, and mercy toward one another. 

So any talk that does the opposite should not be said, period!  Pray that God would give you the grace not to even think of things you should shut your mouth about. We all need to beg God to rule our hearts and minds for His glory. 

Here are some practical ways to help keep our talk wholesome and beneficial:  

If you are the speaker:  1) T.H.I.N.K. before you speak!  Is what you are about to say, True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind?  If all of these apply - not just one or two - then go ahead and say it.  2) Remind yourself that a gossiper is a newscaster without a sponsor.  3) If you wouldn’t write it down, you probably shouldn’t say it.

If you are the hearer:  1) To successfully combat gossip, ignore it.  2) Remember that when someone gossips to you, they will also gossip about you.  (3) Gently question the informant by asking them the following: “Why are you telling me this?”   “Have you discussed this with the person before sharing it with me?” “Does he/she know you’re telling me?” Another good question is:  “How do you think they would feel if they knew we were discussing this?”  

It can be hard for us to confront one another this way.  We can be so used to hearing gossip that we fail to recognize it when we hear it.  But just because it’s hard to deal with doesn’t mean that we can just let it pass by. The more we become aware that conversation has turned to gossip, and the more we try to weed it out of ourselves, the more we will show love for one another – and loving one another – that catches the world’s attention and brings glory to God.

Remember my door is always open to you and I am always willing to discuss anything with you or pray with you and for you. God bless you!

Pastor Don Sodano