A good reminder for us all - maybe the next devo at K4C meeting :)

Hello My Name is Wendy and I Gossip

It’s a sensitive topic.
As Christian women, we don’t want to admit we do it. To soften its severity we call it sharing. Adding to the deception we conclude these conversations with a sweet whisper of bless her heart.
It’s gossip- unstrained, casual conversation.
Over the years as I have battled with my blabber-mouth-self I have come to realize this is not a fight I can win on my own. Girlfriend to girlfriend, maybe you struggle with gossip too. Through multiple defeats I have learned victory will come when we:
Key 1 – Can Be honest with Ourselves
Call it what it is: gossip. It’s not sharing.  It’s not a prayer request. It’s not an “I know you are close to such-and-such and thought you would want to know…” word to tell. It. Is. Gossip. Honestly, this is the hardest part for me. There’s a part of me that loves to share in a whisper what I know. Lord, help me
Key 2 – Listen to Our Helper
Jesus knew life would be hard for us. (John 16:33)  He knew full well the power of temptation. (Matthew 4:1-11) Therefore, when He left this world, He sent the Holy Spirit. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to to let us know when we are about to sin. (John 16:13) In that moment, when our throat tightens and heart beats in triple time, and when our Helper whispers, “Hey. This is wrong” we need zip our lips and walk away.
Key 3 – Lean on His Word
There is a truth in God’s Word for everything we face. It might take some sleuthing but when we find the truth, we find power. Years ago in my regular Bible study this truth jumped right off the page into my heart, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). Yielding to this truth gives me power. It will give you power too!
Let’s consider how different our relationships might be if we shared His truths rather than unrestrained conversation. What if we became intentional in making our conversations meaningful rather than causal?
Oh how thought!