Posted on September 16, 2021 by Catey Stover in Victory Call
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. Proverbs 18:8
The theme this year for the conference season at America’s Keswick is Unleashing Hope. Dr. Tony Hart recently preached a powerful message on the importance of taming our tongues. Something none of us escapes. It takes awareness, intention and effort.
One aspect Dr. Hart shared was about gossip and how destructive it is. We have all experienced the hurt of being talked about or even lied about. It’s no fun. And truth be told, I don’t think I’d be wrong to say we have all probably been on the other end too, where we were the ones doing the gossiping.
It is an easy trap to fall into if we are not being very attentive to our tongue.
Dr. Hart offered 3 ways to identify gossip. They are clear and practical and I was eager to pass them along to my Victory Call sisters.
It’s bad news — it reflects poorly on the person
It’s behind the person’s back —
It comes with a bad heart – It’s not shared with a heart that seeks to help
This is so good, please go back and read these three points again. Commit them to memory. Use them as a filter.
Gossip can be true. Some people think that if it’s true it’s not gossip. Wrong. If it is bad news, behind the person’s back and comes with a bad heart – even if it is true – it is gossip.
It takes at least 2 people to gossip. The obvious one is the person speaking, but the other person listening – even if they don’t say a word — is also gossiping because it takes a transmitter and a receiver for gossip to spread.
…no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. James 3:8-10
Do you want to be a powerful influence in your family, church, neighborhood, community or school? Decide not to initiate or participate in gossip.
Do you want to stand for what is right even if you have to stand alone? Decide not to initiate or participate in gossip.
Do you want it said at your funeral, “She never said a bad word about anybody”? Decide not to initiate or participate in gossip.
Do you want to be characterized as an encourager? Decide not to initiate or participate in gossip.
Do you want to love your neighbor as yourself? Decide not to initiate or participate in gossip.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Psalm 141:3
Oh Lord, please keep my mouth shut when criticism, gossip or discouragement beckons to be spoken and open my mouth wide with praise, encouragement and thankfulness.
Blessings,
Diane
Written By Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and provides ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” – CS Lewis
The Daily Bible Reading: Luke 6 | You can download our 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. -1 John 4:9
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 346 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Charlie Amiano
21:35 20 Jan 23
We went to an event for Gold Star Mothers. These are parents of an active duty soldier who was killed. Keswick was a fantastic place to have this event. It was clean food was great people were fantastic.
Sandra Salama
22:08 14 Jan 23
Amazing experience for people of all ages
Amerin Meric
19:17 14 Jan 23
Awesome place to gather with friends. Also has an excellent record for helping people out of alcoholism.
David Garzetta
01:46 11 Jan 23
Beautiful facility, caring individuals, good food
Alvin Abraham
22:22 08 Jan 23
This is a really nice Retreat center. The facilities are very nice, with beautiful scenery. Staff and all are really sweet and nice.Only negative I would say was the Food isn't very good.
Camilo Pereira
20:18 02 Jan 23
Great for gathering and worship The Lord
soyun chong
22:40 30 Dec 22
Very nice place for a church retreat. Kind employees, nice rooms and area
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 346 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Charlie Amiano
21:35 20 Jan 23
We went to an event for Gold Star Mothers. These are parents of an active duty soldier who was killed. Keswick was a fantastic place to have this event. It was clean food was great people were fantastic.
Sandra Salama
22:08 14 Jan 23
Amazing experience for people of all ages
Amerin Meric
19:17 14 Jan 23
Awesome place to gather with friends. Also has an excellent record for helping people out of alcoholism.
David Garzetta
01:46 11 Jan 23
Beautiful facility, caring individuals, good food
Alvin Abraham
22:22 08 Jan 23
This is a really nice Retreat center. The facilities are very nice, with beautiful scenery. Staff and all are really sweet and nice.Only negative I would say was the Food isn't very good.
Camilo Pereira
20:18 02 Jan 23
Great for gathering and worship The Lord
soyun chong
22:40 30 Dec 22
Very nice place for a church retreat. Kind employees, nice rooms and area