Toothpaste Words Part 2

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Ephesians 4:29

Last week we talked about how damaging gossip and idle words can be. Gossip and slander can ruin friendships, by placing doubt in our minds and the minds of others; it can tear apart lives. Gossip can have devastating lifelong effects on lives. Gossip can build as sparks of rumors and half-truths and then leap from your mouth to ears anxious to listen (And there are always those

who thrive on listening to gossip). I read this quote and how true. “The dancing flames of gossip entice people to gather around its hot, tantalizing fire. Like a glowing ember in a forest of dry trees, the fire of gossip is far from harmless.” One dropped spark from its fire has the potential to set off a blaze that burns a person’s reputation and testimony. Don’t fan the flame of gossip by repeating

it. Even if you hear something that you are pretty sure is true, keep it to yourself or go to your Pastor for guidance. Respect the other person’s privacy just as you would want them to respect and protect yours. I’m sure you have all heard the phrase “what goes around, comes around.”

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

Luke 6:31

Words DO hurt! Gossip is derived from the idea of “whispering.” Gossip” means “To indulge in idle talk or rumors about others; spreading of sensational stories.” Gossip is a close cousin to slander, and God’s Word places both in the same category as murder and other wickedness -- sins worthy of death. Let me ask you something. As a Christian do you occasionally slip up and commit a murder here or there? Or how about theft -- do you occasionally burglarize a home or steal things from the store? You may think this is silly to ask. Of course, a Christian lifestyle doesn’t behave that way. But how about gossip or slander? Do you engage in idle talk or rumors about others? Do you participate

in bad-mouthing or spreading rumors about others? According to the Bible, which sin is less severe? Murder or gossip? I’m sure you get the message. Paul said, BOTH are sins equally worthy of death.

“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, (gossipers) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

Romans 1:29-32

What? How did gossip get in that list? You mean if I just gossip or talk about someone, I am just as bad as someone who does all of these other things? Even murder? YES, that is exactly what God is saying and that these sins are worthy of death. That should make us stop and think, right? I’m sure that you realize that anything which is placed in the same category as murder must be a serious sin -- something that should not be taken lightly. But unfortunately, many Christians do not usually consider gossip and everything about it as sin. What we need to realize is, gossip is more than a little bad habit. Gossip is wicked and sinful -- a disease of corruption from the mouth. The Bible tells us that gossips use their mouth as a weapon -- a weapon which is always aimed at people to fulfill (guess who?) Satan’s desires to “steal, kill, and destroy.”

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

John 10:10

The truth is, words hurt, don’t they? They are powerful! They hurt us, others, and they hurt God and the cause of Christ. All throughout Scripture we read about how our careless words can affect all of us in a negative way. His message rings loud and clear in our ears. He desires us to be obedient and to guard our lips because words can be dangerous and hurtful.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

Proverbs 18:21

What we say shows the condition of our hearts. And while it’s important to be careful to use words that bring glory to God, it’s the unfiltered words — the ones we don’t catch before they come out —that are the most telling. Here is something I found and is worth repeating that will help you the next time you get ready to say something about someone and you aren’t sure if you should or not. THINK!

T--Is it true? H--Is it helpful? I--Is it inspiring? N--Is it necessary? K--Is it kind?

Ask yourself these questions and if what you are about to say, does not pass those tests, learn to keep your mouth shut! You will never be sorry for NOT speaking hurtful or damaging words.

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

Proverbs 16:24