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Inspirational Christian Devotions free for personal use for Church & Synagogue related functions.

The Great Gossip Vine

There's an old saying that goes something like this, "Telephone, telegraph and tell-a-woman."

And if one thinks about it, It's quite amusing how a group of men can go off together on a fishing trip and have a great time, uttering only a handful of words. On the other hand, women tend to be gabby - it's not really their fault, just a gift from nature. Although there is nothing wrong with having the gift of gab, when it turns into the 'gift of stab' it can become hurtful. And it may begin as a simple agreement to a comment made by a friend about another friend just to avoid an uncomfortable moment.

No matter what stemmed The Great Gossip Vine, the fact is that both women and men can be caught watering it religiously (no pun intended). So how does one get out of watering without contributing to gossip? Here are a few suggestions that will make you feel good about yourself the next time you are thrust into a similar situation:

 If a friend gossips to you about someone, simply don't respond. If your friend goes into a tizzy because of it, then they really aren't your friend after all. Besides, who wants a friend like that?

 If you have gossiped or contributed to gossip, don't make the mistake of running to the 'offended one' and apologizing. Simply ask God for forgiveness and nip gossiping in the bud. If a smoldering fire is stoked long enough, it can turn into a roaring inferno.

 If you discover that someone has been gossiping about you, try not to take it to heart. At least, while they are talking about you they are giving someone else a rest.

 Another method that works in nipping gossip in the bud is to respond to the gossiper with a wonderful compliment regarding the subject of gossip. Sister Margo might tell you, "Beth is a terrible housekeeper," to which you might respond, "So that explains why her apple pies are so delicious! Perfection does take time, you know."

If we look long and hard enough, we can find something negative to say about everyone we know. It's simply human nature gone amuck. On the other hand, if we look long and hard enough, we can find something positive to say about everyone we know. It's simply human nature at its best.

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