Ditching the Dirt

Hey, Jesus, we need to talk. I have to tell you about someone we both know. She tries to follow you, but she tends to gossip. She doesn’t make up lies or say cruel things, but she shares information she has heard about other people. She indulges in conversations based on rumors. Sometimes, she tells secrets. Friends trust her with their private lives, and she betrays them. When she’s sharing the information, she feels connected to whoever she’s talking to, as if by spreading the gossip, the listener is in her inner circle. Yet, she knows it’s wrong. And she hates feeling untrustworthy. But since she spreads gossip, other people are inclined to share gossip with her. They know she’ll be an eager listener. This makes her feel connected to whoever she’s gossiping with, but the connection isn’t authentic. The friendship is hollow. Jesus, the person I’m talking about is myself. If I were to gossip about myself, that’s what I’d say, I’m ashamed to admit. I feel small and petty after I gossip, so I ask you to please “set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). I no longer want to dish the dirt; I want to ditch the dirt. I want to stop hurting people. I want true friendships, and the only way to foster that is through love. Thank you for loving me. When I speak honestly with you, I remember how much you love me, how you died on the cross and rose from the dead for me, and I feel safe. I want to emulate your example. Help my words spread light, not gossip. • Kelly Bakshi • If you know Jesus, your value and worth are totally secure in Him. You are loved beyond measure. How might knowing that God loves you affect the way you speak about others? • Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can bring any struggle to Him in prayer. He wants us to be totally honest with Him about our sins and shortcomings, and He looks at us with compassion and forgiveness. Consider taking a moment to open your heart to Jesus, inviting Him to heal your hurts and transform you more and more into His image. Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)

Read Verses:

1 John 1:5-1 John 1:10; Proverbs 17:9; Ephesians 4:29-Ephesians 4:32; Hebrews 4:14-Hebrews 4:16