House Rules: Love and Gossip
God loves every one of them unconditionally, sent his son for each and every one of you.
Season 5, Episode 50 · House Rules: Love and Gossip
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The story behind the idea
Maybe I should have put the word two between the word love and gossip, because there are certainly some who seem to love to do that.
What stands out
Do you think that God has to make sure that he operates from love before he does something? I'm about to share something or do something or have something written down. I really need to make sure it's coming from the right place.
Why it matters
If we're talking about someone who is not in the room, I love them too. How can I build up what is appropriate and what lends grace? The text goes on to say things like bitterness and wrath, anger and clamor, slander and malice, that stuff's got to be put far away from you.
A faithful way forward
Like, well, I know I talked about them, but these people needed to know, you know, I'm the sheriff in town. I need to make sure you think as lowly of them as you're supposed to. If you think they're great and they're not great, I know they're not great and you need to know that they're not great. This is where stories get told with that negative tone and slant.
Put it into practice
Jacob said, look, maybe refuse to participate or try to change the topic, but you also could very kindly defend the character of someone, like, yeah, they did make that mistake, but I've seen they've done a lot better lately. Or maybe say, look, I've done things pretty similar to that, and I sure am glad God's been patient with me. I mean, they're not there, at least throw them a little bit of a bone.
Take the idea with you.
- 01What idea from this study most needs my attention right now?
- 02Where does this challenge the way I am currently thinking or living?
- 03What is one faithful step I can take this week?
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