Psalm 101:5
Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off:
him that hath a high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Bess was the blight of the bridge club. For some unknown
reason, she had taken it upon herself to be judge and jury over the actions of
her friends. Whenever the women got together for cards, they were treated to
Bess's opinion of what everyone else was doing wrong. When anyone got tired of
hearing what Bess had to say and tried to back away, she became Bess's next
target of attack. People were afraid to be friends with her, and they were even
more afraid to not be friends with her.
No one likes to hear
gossip and criticism all the time. Gossips are usually avoided, and thus they
become outcast from the rest of the world. God will outcast the gossip. There
is not room in His Kingdom for those who delight in the shortcomings of others.
Christ within us should build up, not tear down. If we give our hearts over to
Christ, then we will never say damaging things against our neighbors. Speak
only with the tongue of Christ, and you will be a blessing to everyone you
meet.
Prayer: Remove from me
a malicious and gossiping nature, Lord. Fill me with praise and joy and
spiritual thoughts. Let my words bless others with kindness and love. Amen.
