Don't be a Tell-Tale

"The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten]; 
They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon]".                                                     Proverbs 18:8.  Amplified

When we have been hurt by someone, we can often have the urge to go and tell someone who will offer a listening ear. And once we have unloaded upon them, we may feel better. However, this may not be the end of it all. Do you trust the person you have spoken with? Let's be honest, many of us are tempted to listen to what people are doing or have done. We may promise that the secret is safe with us but, is it? That's problem number one. Once a secret has been told to somebody, it can be so difficult for them to keep from sharing a little of it to a trusted friend. Then before too long, everyone knows about it. It's not so much about gossiping, but about being unable to keep it a secret because it is so newsworthy. 'These words are like delicious sweets. Although they are fun to eat, they ruin a person's health. Gossip can appear as fun to listen to, but it damages the listener's innermost parts'. (Amplified Commentary).

Problem number two is the fact that we should not be telling anyone about it at all. Unless the problem is a legal one, such as abuse or even worse, where it should be referred to the authorities, we should keep the matter to ourselves. Let me explain. When someone bitterly hurts us, we need to forgive them. Yes, this is a very hard thing to do because we naturally want vengeance on them; we want them to suffer like they have made us suffer. But, we must be aware of God's word that says, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay' says the Lord"  Romans 12:19. God does not want us to take the matter into our own hands, as hard as it seems, He wants us to forgive them and not spread their deeds around to everyone.

RT Kendall writes, 'The first principle of total forgiveness is that we tell nobody what 'they' did to us.' That is so difficult but, when you think about it, this is what forgiveness is all about. Two wrongs do not make a right. We may have been wronged but for us to go and talk about how we have been wronged, is no different. We are just as bad in God's eyes. It causes gossip and can paint an ugly picture of you and the person who has hurt you. We should have a 'No attack, No defence' attitude about us. People can attack us but instead of retaliating we do not have to defend ourselves.

Conclusion: watch the temptation to be a Tell-Tale

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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