To Speak or Not to Speak (Part Four)

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. ~ Proverbs 26:20, NLT

As stated in my last blog, The Gentry Fire of 2005, caused alot of devastation.  A 20 minute fire caused damage to everything inside our home except the outer four walls.  What kept the fire from spreading even worse than it did?  Well, firemen.  What would have happened if instead of using water to put out the fire - they began throwing more wood?  Obviously, the fire would have been even larger. 

This scripture reminds me that if I don't "feed" gossip then quarrels (verbal conflicts) will end.  This is definately true.  I know I've been in discussions that are going towards the negative route -- and all of sudden either someone else or I stop talking.  Interestingly, the conversation eventually changes or stops entirely.   Is the desire to put wood on the fire?  No.  Somehow in my sinfulness it feels good to talk negatively about others.  It tends to set me up above them.  All of sudden it feels like I am looking down at another person.   Such shameful reactions towards God's people.  My goal should be to edify, encourage and restore relationships.  Not tear them down.  I never set out or plan to gossip.  I'm sure you don't either.  Yet why is it that when we get into a heated conversation our first response is to throw more wood on the fire?  Well, for me, at that moment the sin feels good.  Lately, as I pray and seek His guidance --- it doesn't feel good at all.  My heart is changing because I am more aware of my sinful struggle in this area.

The more I study and ask the Lord to teach me - the more I realize how much I don't deserve.  I don't deserve forgiveness (I have done some terrible things in my past).  I don't deserve mercy (yet He freely gives it).  I don't deserve to be His child (although He adopted me through Christ's sacrifice).  When I see myself before God as a truly forgiven, child of God -- I don't feel at all worthy.  Yet, Christ paid all this for me.  He knows that I will struggle with sinfulness - yet I'm forgiven from all of it already.  Despite all of the bad things I have said in my life --- Christ's forgiveness covers them all!  This truth gives me a huge sense of relief and thankfulness.  I could never repay the debt I owe --- and I am so thankful that I don't have to work at trying...Christ paid it in full!

Sometimes, it takes just one person to stop a gossip fire from spreading.  Just as profound --- I can also keep from starting one.  

Lord, continue to teach me and guide me when it comes to the matters of the mouth.  I know that this is an area that I have probably hurt people without being aware of it.  If I need to make amends, please show me and guide me in that process.  My heart's desire is to honor you -- with all of  me.