Relationships

Gossip and the thread

All topics

Words can build or tear down in a second. Gossip makes you one of the group for a moment, and leaves someone else exposed. Only write what you yourself could bear to read about you. You may leave the thread.

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

What it means

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, only what is good for building up.

How you can live it

In the group chat: write only what builds. Delete the rest.

So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;

What it means

Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. Three speeds. Most of us do the opposite.

How you can live it

When you boil: count to ten, put the phone down, finish listening. Do not send the message yet.

Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

What it means

Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them. The golden rule is practical.

How you can live it

Before you send a message: would I want this written about me?

A prayer

Jesus, set a guard on my mouth and my messages. Let my words build. Amen.