Anti-Gossip Pact

Posted on February 1, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Webster’s definition of gossip: casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

Welcome to this new week of Freedom Fighter blogs. The writing team is grateful for the fact that you even click open our blogs and hopefully not just read them, but forward them to a friend.
Today’s topic is a good reminder that our words really do make a difference. I am learning this truth every day.

Solomon wrote: A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. (Proverbs 11:13). 

In 1752, a group of Methodist men, including the famous preacher, John Wesley, signed a covenant that each man agreed to hang on the wall of his study. Please note the six principles that these godly men solemnly agreed to:

• That we will not listen or willingly inquire after ill concerning one another.
• That, if we do hear any ill of each other, we will not be forward to believe it.
• That as soon as possible we will communicate what we hear by speaking or writing to the person concerned.
• That until we have done this, we will not write or speak a syllable of it to any other person.
• That neither will be mention it, after we have done this, to any other person.
• That we will not make any exception to any of these rules unless we think about ourselves absolutely obliged in conference.

Wow! Pretty powerful – and every man had to put his signature to this document.

A dear old Pastor friend, Newton Conant, gave four questions to ask to help us know if something was right to share:

• Is it true?
• Is it kind?
• Is it necessary?
• Does it bring glory to God?

Your words and my words either destroy or give life. The opposite of gossip is giving good reports about your brothers and sisters. Think through this week how you can give a good report about a friend, brother or family member and use your words to give. Thanks for being on this journey with me.

Written by Dr. Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick. He has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 10 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 32; Proverbs 1

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: Gossip is like taking a feather pillow and opening it up on a tall building and emptying its contents. Once the feathers are out, it is nigh to impossible to get them all back in.

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith ~Philippians 1:25 (NKJV)