MEMORISE: A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. – Proverbs 16:28
BIBLE READING: Matthew 12:33-36
33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
MESSAGE:
Gossip is dangerous, and it can destroy relationships and hurt others deeply. When you gossip about others and they find out about it, you have broken whatever trust they might have had in you. Gossip can leave scars that may last forever or take years to heal.
James 1:26 says, “lf anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” This Scripture tells us that gossip doesn’t just hurt others; it also damages a fellow’s witness as a Christian. When you engage in gossip, you dishonour God and show a lack of love for others.
My dear child, gossip stirs up unnecessary conflicts. Therefore, if someone tries to drag you into gossip, steer the conversation toward something positive or excuse yourself from that environment. Instead of gossiping, speak kindness and truth or pray for the people being talked about.
KEY POINT:
Avoid gossip at all costs.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Luke 5:1-16, Joshua 16-18