Think Twice
When you talked about that girl, did you know she has a rough home life? When you made fun of that lady did you know she has health issues that affect her weight? When you texted your friends about that other person your age, did you know that they cry themselves to sleep about their insecurities? When you laughed away about that picture you sent of someone, did you consider that they are a human with feelings and issues just like you?
Truth is, we all gossip. We are all guilty.
Personally, I don’t think there are many things that can make a girl more unattractive than when they are spending their time and energy tearing down other people.
Why do we gossip?… Sometimes we think it makes ourselves look better. Sometimes we are jealous of someone and are happy when they are looked at in a poor light. Sometimes we like having something funny to send to our friends. How wrong of us… how hurtful.
Gossip is ugly. Gossip is unattractive. Gossip is not Christ like. Gossip ruins relationships. Gossip hurts. Most importantly, gossip is a sin.
I want to challenge you to look personally at your own life and observe where you allow gossip to reside.
We have to decide daily that we are only going to speak kind things about others. We have to decide that making fun of others has no place in our life, and in our home.
Practical ways to eliminate gossip:
1- Remember the aftertaste of gossip
It’s not the same for everyone, but for most, the feeling you get after you gossip is not all that great. Pretty soon after, the fear that you will regret it will come to mind. Guilt will quickly make your stomach sink a little.
Think Twice about the way that felt last time you said something you shouldn’t before you go to say something again.
2- Decide that not only will you no longer tolerate it in your own life, but also that you won’t tolerate it within your friend groups
If one of your friends starts to gossip around you, state that you are working on eliminating gossip in your own life. Most times, they will appreciate that and work on it themselves. My Uncle has a statement he uses, “I am not a dumpster.” Don’t be someone that people think they can bring all of their “trash” to.
Think Twice before you join in on harmful topics. It’s easier to speak poorly of others when all of your closest friends are doing it.
3- Most importantly, Pray and ask God to have His heart for people
When you are trying to love people like God loves people, you will think twice about talking about them. When you’re walking close with Him and trying to be filled with the Spirit, you will feel convicted about what you say about others. It’s hard to be working on having an abundance of the fruit of the Spirit like kindness and gentleness while being a gossip.
Think Twice about how Christ loves that person you’re about to make fun of.
God loves each person He created with an unspeakable love. Jesus spent His time on this earth ministering to others. He healed, prayed for, and loved people in such a beautiful way. He loves you. He also loves the girl you’ve been making fun of- and the guy you mock, and the lady you feel it’s ok to send a picture of to your friends. You’re not above anyone.
When you see everyone with the intrinsic Christ like value they are born with, you will Think Twice before you gossip about them.
Actively seek to eliminate gossip in your own life!