Very interesting :) Gossip Family Home Evening Resource Book, (1997), 191 Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm. —Doctrine and Covenants 42:27 GOSPEL TRUTH When we gossip, we idly discuss someone’s weaknesses or problems when that person is not present. Gossip harms not only those who are being talked about, but also those who gossip and those who listen. Heavenly Father wants us to look for and speak of the good in others and eliminate gossip from our lives. Lesson 1: The Bad Effects of Gossip Invite family members to tell what they think of when they hear the word gossip. •What are some other words that have the same meaning as gossip? (Tale-bearing, evil-speaking, backbiting, bearing false witness.) Read Exodus 20:16 and Doctrine and Covenants 42:27. You could write either or both of these verses on a poster. Emphasize that these verses are more than suggestions from the Lord. The Lord has actually commanded us not to gossip. •How many people are always involved in gossip? (Three—the gossiper, the listener, and the victim—but the victim is not usually present.) Name the following aspects of gossip. As you do, have the family discuss how each aspect of gossip hurts the gossiper, the listener, the victim, or all three. Gossip— 1. Centers on faults. 2. Is blind to good qualities. 3. Is often untrue. 4. Can’t be taken back. 5. Cuts us off—from the Lord’s Spirit and from other people. Help your family understand why our loving Heavenly Father has commanded us not to gossip. Point out that gossip only destroys; it never builds. And Heavenly Father wants us to be free of the problems and sorrow it causes. Read several of these verses, which contain the Lord’s promises to those who do not speak evil of others: Psalm 15:1–3; 1 Peter 3:10; Proverbs 21:23; 26:20. if we feel insecure about ourselves, we may think that pointing out another’s faults will make us feel better. We may feel threatened or envious about someone else’s success. Or, we may fall into a habit of gossiping without realizing it or think that gossip won’t really hurt anyone. the rewards of building others up are eternal—better relationship with others, the ability to love them, Heavenly Father’s approval, and the Holy Ghost’s companionship.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 22:49:16 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015