"Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." -Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)
A friend recently shared a story of Socrates, the philosopher in ancient Greece, and an acquaintance that wanted to gossip with him. Socrates is reported to have asked the acquaintance if the "information" could pass the test of three filters. Socrates asked if the information was true, if it was good, and if it was useful. If it could not pass through one of these filters, then why would he want to hear it?
There are times when it might feel good to be part of the "in crowd" that gets the latest information, but we would be wise to consider the teaching of Socrates and the lesson from Proverbs. If we cannot find truth, goodness, or usefulness in information, then we should not carelessly spread it around. Further, if we cannot respond with love, compassion, and helpfulness, then we become part of the problem. Our actions can make the situation worse, even if the original information is untrue! Whenever we are tempted to engage in either listening or sharing gossip, we should consider the information and how we will respond. If we cannot act in love to improve the situation, maybe we shouldn't listen to words that may not be true, good, or useful!
Ask if the information is true, good, or useful and then decide how to act out of God's love!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and for allowing me to e forgiven when I make a mistake. Help me to know when what I am hearing is true, good, and useful and then guide my actions through Your love. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
There are times when it might feel good to be part of the "in crowd" that gets the latest information, but we would be wise to consider the teaching of Socrates and the lesson from Proverbs. If we cannot find truth, goodness, or usefulness in information, then we should not carelessly spread it around. Further, if we cannot respond with love, compassion, and helpfulness, then we become part of the problem. Our actions can make the situation worse, even if the original information is untrue! Whenever we are tempted to engage in either listening or sharing gossip, we should consider the information and how we will respond. If we cannot act in love to improve the situation, maybe we shouldn't listen to words that may not be true, good, or useful!
Ask if the information is true, good, or useful and then decide how to act out of God's love!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and for allowing me to e forgiven when I make a mistake. Help me to know when what I am hearing is true, good, and useful and then guide my actions through Your love. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
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