It is much easier to see the faults in others than to see our own. To criticize gives a false sense of superiority, because the critic compares himself with other human beings who seem to be worse than he is. Our aim, however, is not to compare ourselves with others but with Jesus. How many problems could we avoid if we would all obey the divine command: You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people (Lev. 19:16, NKJV). It is painfully true that a whisperer separates the best of friends (Prov. 16:28, NKJV). On the other hand, there are circumstances when it is necessary to speak about another person. Before we do that, however, we should ask ourselves three questions: Is what I am about to say true? You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor (Exod. 20:16, NKJV). Sometimes we may report something as a fact while it is actually an assumption or a guess. Besides, we may unconsciously add our own subjective assessment, running the risk of judging erroneously the intentions of other people. Is what I am about to say edifying? Will it be helpful for those who hear it? Paul admonishes us to speak only what is good for necessary edification (Eph. 4:29, NKJV). If something were true but not edifying, wouldn’t it be better not to say it? Is it possible to say it in a loving way? The way we say something is as important as what we say (see Prov. 25:11). If it is true and edifying, we have to be sure that we can say it in a way that it will not offend other people. James compares the tongue with a little fire that kindles a great forest (James 3:5-6). If we hear gossip, we shouldn’t add more wood to the fire, because where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases (Prov. 26:20, NKJV). Gossip requires a chain of transmitters to be alive. We can stop it by simply refusing to hear it; or, if we have already heard it, avoid repeating it. Instead of gossiping, thus creating mischief, let us tell of the matchless power of Christ, and speak of His glory. — Ellen G. White, The Upward Look, p. 306.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 01:02:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015