Gossiping - How Embarrassing

by Jennifer Willis
(Provident Living Today)

I talk about gossiping not because I'm innocent, but because it's embarrassing. What we're really doing when we gossip is declaring our own weaknesses and insecurities. It's like saying,

"Hey everybody, look what's wrong with me! I know it sounds like I'm talking about my neighbor, but I'm really talking about myself."

Read what Paul has to say, and you'll see what I mean.

Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

Now this scripture in Romans is also quite helpful to those who want to improve their quality of life.

When I see something that really bugs me about someone else, I have a little conversation with myself. I say, "Self, what are you doing that is so much like this other person?" Unless I go into denial, the answer will surface.

Now that's empowerment. I don't have to change my family, I don't have to change my neighbors, and I don't have to change the world. The only one I need to change is myself.

If we want help, Jesus stands by waiting. We need to ask for help and then do what he tells us to do.

Jesus Christ has the grace, wisdom, and power to help us change. Our greatest weakness can become our greatest strength. This is what the Lord has to say.

Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

In a world of uncertainty and fear, it is comforting to know that we can change ourselves and that changes everything. God asks us to develop perfect love. Fear and love don't exist in the same space.

Moroni 8:16 . . . I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.

Judge No Man

A Parable to Think About