Today's Scripture:Do not spread false rumors, and do not help a guilty person by giving false testimony.
Exodus 23:1
If you've ever been the subject of a rumor at school or at work, you know how a rumor can take on a life of its own. It races around the cafeteria or break room and down the hallways like a lit fuse racing toward a stick of dynamite at the other end. Who knows what kind of damage it'll cause when the whole thing blows? Even the person who started the rumor ~ whether intentionally or unintentionally ~ has no control over it once it gets started.
When you spread a rumor, you are actually helping someone else hurt another person.
You get yourself involved in someone else's guilt. Sure, I know it's hard to keep a juicy tidbit to yourself. But when you do resist the temptation to gossip ~ even more, when you refuse to believe bad things about another person without hard eveidence ~ you make a big difference in the atmosphere around you, which also reveals your character to all those you come in contact with. You are suddenly part of the solution rather than part of the problem. My daughter shared the devotion for our youth group about a year ago entitled "Words can hurt"...she really brought out the point to me that our words are really powerful, not just for good but for evil as well. May we seek to build up others and not knock them down.
God established laws that strengthen families, friends, and communities. At the heart of all good relationships is a trust built on honesty. Lies and rumors destroy trust and ignite all kinds of bad feelings like anger, revenge, and hate. Rumors and lies erode the foundation of honesty. God's laws are designed to ensure that people treat one another with fairness and honesty. Life is a lot easier when your parents and friends and teachers or co-workers trust you. If you want to inspire that kind of trust, make honesty your goal at all times.
Selah people' and friends the next time you hear a hurtful rumor, take a stand; believe the best about others unless there's clear evidence that you should'nt. You might be surprised at the impact you can have by refusing to pass along a rumor.
"Recieve his Peace and go forth to show his love to others and you share your faith and your character by making a choice to not spread words that hurt."
Stop by and visit the following links:
Selah Christian Church Disciples of Christ Website ~
Link to past sermons ~ http://cid-af7ecca57d126f50.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Selah%20Christian%20Church%20Sermons%202008
Your pastor,
Rev Muston ~ (PreacherPatrick)
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