When was the
last time someone asked you to keep a secret? How hard was that? When we do as
Solomon so wisely wrote—conceal a transgression—we likely are keeping a very
dear secret and showing love and compassion through our discreet action. There
is never a time that it is necessary to tell someone else’s troubles. If you want
to ask other to pray for someone…just say, “I have a friend that needs prayer—God
knows the issue, please just lift this individual up to the Lord.” God knows
the details and although we need to pray specifically, sometimes being discreet
and respectful is better than divulging what could be construed as gossip. Guard
your tongue and value your friend’s privacy.
Training Tip – Play that game of “gossip” with your family and
share how important it is to keep secrets. Talk about the Proverbs 17:9 verse
and what a transgression is—something that someone did that was wrong. It doesn’t
make it right talking or “gossiping” about it. If someone wanted everyone to
know their problem, they need to tell others themselves. It should not be shared
as a topic of casual conversation—then it becomes gossip. Share these verses
below with your family on the topic of gossip:
He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore
do not associate with a gossip. Proverbs 20:19
Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious
gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 1 Timothy 3:11
(This verse is good for men and children as well.)
Lord God, give us wisdom to know when to hold our
tongues and thus not gossip, but to be discreet with information our friends
share with us in confidence.
Happy Christmas in July!
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey M.
Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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