Happy Sunday!
Today I want to talk about something pretty different than what we usually talk about – food stuff, body images issues, trusting God etc.
Today, I want to talk about gossip and judgement.
I am currently reading the book “Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl” By Lysa Terkeurst (GREAT read!) and a whole chapter was devoted to this, that really struck me.
I don’t think I gossip a lot or anything (I mean, I haven’t even made friends in MO yet, so I have no one to do it with!) but I know that I can be guilty of judging people, even in my thoughts. And, there are definitely times when I gossip. This is something I think we can ALL do less of.
However, I personally know that I always try to disguise it as “trying to be helpful.” For example, I’ll tell someone else a piece of gossip because “I’m just trying to get their advice of how I should approach this person about it” or whatever. Have you been there?
Another honest truth: there are times in my life when I have participated in gossip and/or judgement in a conversation with my lady friends (sometimes even about our other friends!) because I just didn’t want them to think I was weird and too “super spiritual.” How MESSED UP is that.
Women hurting women is wrong, and it hurts God.
The book encourages you to find one friend and make a pact to never speak anything hurtful or harmful about the person – to make it verbally with one another and to stick to it. Like I said, I don’t really have girl friends here yet, so I made it with Mr.FFF.
I know the Lord didn’t design us as wives to talk bad about our husbands – yes, even with our girlfriends when we are complaining about something small and annoying he did. We’ve ALL been there. So, I’m vowing the never speak anything negative about him – only things that would bring him up. I encourage you to join me!
And to find that one friend.
If we love God, we will tame our tongues. Here are a few scripture verses that I really love:
“He who guards his mouth and tongue, keeps himself from Calamity” Proverbs 21:23
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” Proverbs 10:19
“If anyone considers himself religious, and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26
Do not judge, or you too will be judged…why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:1,3
Let’s be wise women with controlled tongues!
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Deanna says
Hi Taylor,
I enjoy your Sunday Reflections and look forward to reading them. Your openness and vulnerability are a blessing.
Thank you’
Deanna
Taylor Kiser says
Thank YOU so much!! 🙂
Shalini says
Love this post!! By reading this I got one beautiful quote in my mind said by Rumi. “Silence is the language of god, all else is poor translation”. We do not have any right to judge any one because we don’t know what is actually going on his/her life.
Taylor Kiser says
I LOVE that quote Shalini – so beautiful! I am so glad you enjoyed it! You’re right- we have ZERO right to judge!
Jessica says
This is such a good reminder. Especially not to participate in “hidden gossip” by trying to be helpful or seeking advise. It’s still gossip! Love these Sunday reflections. Thanks for keeping them up!
Taylor Kiser says
Yes it IS still gossip! 🙂 I am so glad you enjoy them – thanks Jessica!