Tag: gossip

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Why can’t I judge?

Stan Mitchell

The problem with criticism is that the victim simply cannot win. A critic does not feel the need to be consistent, or fair, simply critical. He is condemned if he does, and condemned if he does not.

But note that the standard that will be used to judge me will be the standard with which I judge others (Matthew 7:12). Is that a comforting thought? When you think of God using this criteria to judge you, do you sigh with relief or shake in fear? Continue reading “Why can’t I judge?”

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Listening

Stan Mitchell

If you are not a charming conversationalist you might still be a big hit as a charming listener. You can win more friends with your ears than you mouth. Did you notice that you can earn an entire degree in communication, yet not take a single class on listening? Apparently “Listening 101” is not considered a part of communication at a university, yet 50% of any communication transaction involves the part where someone listens.

Have you ever taken the time to think about what qualities make one a good, or a poor listener? A nod of the head, eye contact, a word of encouragement (“Go on, I’m listening”) would certainly help. In Jesus’ parable of the soils (Matthew 13:1-23), the verb to hear is used 15 times, and such figurative terms for hearing as “see,” and “perceive” are used 16 times. Continue reading “Listening”

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If It Is True, Is It Still Gossip?

Barry Newton

“A gossip betrays a confidence, but he who is trustworthy keeps a secret” (Proverbs 11:13). “A perverse man spreads strife, and a gossip separates intimate friends” (Proverbs 16:28). “He who conceals an offense promotes love, but he who repeats the matter separates close friends” (Proverbs 17:9). “Do not go about spreading slander among your people” (Leviticus 19:16). “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters … nor slanders .. will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9,10). Clearly, if gossip can include betraying … Continue reading If It Is True, Is It Still Gossip?