Yesterday in Sunday's Hi School girls small group, we studied the topic of gossip. It is a paradox! The girls claim the ‘bad habit’ that girls have most is gossip and yet it is gossip that is most hurtful to them. The letter to the Colossians exhorts living the holy life and much of the text deals with attitude and language (Col 3: 8-10) and their source, the heart. Be assured that who you hang out with, what you listen to on the tv and your music GREATLY influence your thought life. Garbage in – Garbage out. Having trouble bridling your tongue? You’re not alone. Let these 3 tips offer assistance (source Teens DEVO book):
1. Accountability: Find a partner that you trust for confidence and prayer to keep you accountable with your words. Ever week,until you have a better control, have them ask you if you belittled, tore down or talked about anyone in the last week. Also, if you were feeling insecure at the time…as this is a dominant reason for gossip.
2. Before you speak, answer the “3 Box” questions before you speak.
1. Accountability: Find a partner that you trust for confidence and prayer to keep you accountable with your words. Ever week,until you have a better control, have them ask you if you belittled, tore down or talked about anyone in the last week. Also, if you were feeling insecure at the time…as this is a dominant reason for gossip.
2. Before you speak, answer the “3 Box” questions before you speak.
- First, is what you are about to say TRUE? (if not, zip it.)
- Second, is what you are going to say KIND? (If it is true, then ask yourself, is it kind? If not, keep it to yourself.)
- Third, is it NECESSARY? (If true, then if it is kind, is it necessary?)
3. Last, pause and pray. James (James 1:19) advises us to be slow to speak. Why? Give the Holy Spirit a moment to intervene to guard your mouth or change your words.If this is an area in which you struggle, ask God to give you a repentant heart, confess it as sin, and then spend time in prayer for guidance on this serious matter. If I can pray for you, send me a note and in confidence, I’ll do just that…pray for you.
1 comment:
Hey Karen;
As much as we know gossip is cancer to us, we still do it. Even with our spouse. We somehow have the misunderstanding that gossip can only happen with people outside our home...wrong. Majority of it is inside so that it won't leak out and be considered gossip. I was told to THINK(is it True,Honest,Innocent,Necessary,and Kind)before I speak. I can say it does help, but sometimes I do forget. Thanks for the tip of reminding me.
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