Have you ever noticed - when talking with small children - how the majority of them completely "get it" about how wrong it is to talk bad about others? Sadly, as they grow up they have help from their peers and parents to sear their conscience. They hear their parents talking bad about neighbors, family and friends and they hear their friends talking bad about each other so they get caught up in it too.
We can help our children keep the right perspective simply by living what we teach them - don't talk bad about others! Just like Thumper in the movie "Bambi" - when he said, "if you can't say something nice - don't say anything at all".
Let's start talking about everyone's good points and stop talking about their bad points. Everyone has sin in their life - everyone! We don't want others pointing out our sinful nature to others, do we? Of course not!
We need to stop our gossiping and backbiting habits. Our children are watching how we handle those we don't like! We are setting an example for them about what kind of Christian we are. If you talk badly about others they will do the same. If you say something bad about "Dear Old Aunt Martha" or "That Good For Nothing Neighbor" then as they become older they will do the same thing - perhaps even saying bad things about you!
If you've been setting a bad example to your children then admit it to them then apologize and have them help you become accountable. This will stop them in their tracks about gossiping and will encourage them to be accountable too. Don't allow pride to stop you from admitting you've been sinning in this way. If you don't admit it to them and apologize they won't learn the lesson God wants them to learn - "Love Your Neighbor Just Like You Love Yourself".
One last thing... on FaceBook I read post that are hurtful and hateful towards others and some are in the name of Christ! So here's a list for Christians who think it's okay to talk hateful on FaceBook:
(Proverbs 11:13) "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered (don't tell others what you consider bad things about family or friends - leave them in God's hands)."
(Proverbs 16:28) "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends (he/she also seperates family members)."
(Proverbs 20:19) "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.(Don't hang around with those who gossip)."
(1 Timothy 5:13) "Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not."
(Psalm 101:5) "Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure."
(Psalm 50:20) "You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son. (or sister/daughter as the case may be)"
(James 3:7-8) "For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."
(Philippians 4:8) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
(2 Corinthians 12:20) "For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder."
PRAYER:
Father God, You know I've been guilty of doing exactly what this devotion talks about - I taught my children that it's okay to talk bad about someone who hurts their feelings - instead of taking it to you ALONE. Rather than being obedient to You - I've gossiped with others. Forgive me and help me be accountable for what I say and do. I want my family and friends see a difference in me - and know for certain it's because of You. Help me to be kind to everyone - even when they hurt my feelings. Help me speak Your Truth in love and with much compassion - remembering what I was like and how I thought - without Your Truth. I ask this in Your precious Son's name, Christ Jesus, amen!
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