Words.

Gossip. We all do it. We all hate it. Yet, somehow, we all like it (just admit it).

But doesn't it just burn when it's YOU the one everyone else is talking about?

Today, I found out about a situation in which people who didn't even know my full name, or what state I'm from in America were talking down on me. These people were so far removed from my circles that I felt almost famous... "I have haters on the other side of the world. Whoohoo! {lol}"

Yes, I found it almost hilarious. Here were people who've never met me, gossiping about my personal life behind my back. Its kind of pathetic and amusing in a sad way.

Hey, but it still hurt. It was not fun to hear. I was bumming out for a little while. 

Yet, as you may know, the Holy Spirit doesn't ever just let us hear about things like this without using it to work on our hearts a little bit. After the initial shock of the situation hit,  His still, small, voice in my heart started to say, "Hey... So Christina, you know THAT thing you said about THAT person? Or what about THAT opinion? Or THIS comment?" 

Ouch. 

Double ouch. 

I'm 100% guilty of the same things that I was so annoyed at these people for.

So, as a reminder to all of us:

1. Watch what you say...

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)

2. Remember, God is the only true Judge. 

"Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand." (Romans 14:4)

3. Instead, dwell on things worthy of praise.

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

We were not called in Christ to demand perfection from each other...but to LOVE. "Love is the bond of perfection." (Colossians 3:14) 

Let's not get so consumed with the FAULTS in each other that we can't even see the GOOD anymore.

 And if you have a tough time with loving someone as Christ loves you, remember: God loves US with all our scumbag tenancies and self-centered hypocrisy. He loved us as we rotted in our sin. (Romans 5:8) The only reason we can love, is because He loves us FIRST. (1 John 1:9) If you have a hard time loving, remember that it's not about you, it's about Him. Try to think about what you would be without Christ, praise God that you are NOT that person any longer, and then look at your "offender" with the same eyes of mercy and grace that God showed you as you were neck-deep in your trespasses. 

Purpose to LOVE.

<3