If I Slander and Gossip, What Does That Say About Me?
The Bible is very blunt about gossip and slander, condemning them at every turn. They are included on several New Testament lists of bad behavior. But they are so easy to let slip! What do we do?
VIDEO: Moments that Matter – If I Slander and Gossip, What Does That Say About Me?
Gossip and slander are everywhere! In a recent podcast, the kindest definitions we could come up with were; Gossip - hushed, idle and careless talk. Creating or repeating things that aren’t true, aren’t complete and are nobody’s business. Slander - an out loud misrepresentation of someone with the intent to damage them. Gossip and slander are permanent residents in our daily lives. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
VIDEO: Moments that Matter – Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?
Are some transgressions worse than others? Can we find solace in the thought that “at least my sins are not as bad as that guy over there!” Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
Why Doesn’t Anyone Listen to Me?
We all need to be heard, and we all need to be acknowledged. We all need that feeling of validation that comes with being personally recognized as having value, and all of this comes through the important tool of communication. The problem is that we have become terrible at both the giving and receiving ends of the communication spectrum. Somehow we think that posting, texting, tweeting and emojis can replace actual conversation, looking someone in the eye, feeling their emotions or touching their shoulder. Whether it is our lack of attention span, our need for convenience, personal laziness or simply not knowing what we are missing, we have seemingly deserted real true person-to-person communication and replaced it with cold and emotionless technology. So, what do we do? How do we relearn both the giving and receiving ends of this invaluable and necessary tool for a fulfilled life called "communication"?
Does Gossip Really Hurt Anyone?
Gossip – is it ever useful or good or is it always a waste of time and bad? Have you ever stopped to consider just how much of our present culture not only accepts gossip but places it in the enviable and important position of being a core and driving value of our everyday existence? Think about just how many publications, TV programs, talk shows and news items are driven by gossip. Now think about how much of our conversations at our work place or with our friends revolve around gossip. If you see it as I do, we are relentlessly inundated with gossip at every turn. So, what can we do about it? What should we do about it? How can we reduce the role of gossip in our lives and what should we replace it with?
Are There Secrets to Better Communication?
Part of spreading the gospel is having the ability to communicate clearly, respectfully and truthfully. We look at great historical communicators for help.
Is it Really that Bad to Gossip?
Gossip – it is an integral part of our society and has been a constant in the history of humanity since the beginning of recorded history. If gossip is such a staple to society, doesn’t it seem reasonable that there must be something redeemable about it? By the way, did you hear what happened to… Aw, c’mon, did you really think we were gonna go there? Gossip – what is it? How does it work? Is there ever a time or place when gossip is a good thing? Stay with us – this is gonna be juicy!!
Communicate Much?
After talking about complaining last week, it makes sense to look at the flip side – how to communicate - for good and positive reasons that is! What makes a great communicator? Is it charisma? Is it your words? Your message? What about body language? Where does passion fit? What made Jesus such a master at drawing people? Does the Bible define communication the same way we do today?
Do You Always Watch What You Say?
Did you ever wonder how many words the average person utters in a day? Did you ever wonder how many of those words uttered are constructive, destructive or just plain idle talk? While we are not going to try and pinpoint percentages, we are going to talk about talking and the effects that it has on those who hear as well as the effects on those who speak. Is gossip ever good? Do we ever slander anyone without truly meaning to do so? Stay with us as we look into the spoken word and biblical principles that can help us focus on making our words positive proactive and powerful!
Why Should We Watch What We Say?
We live in a fascinating society – very sad but fascinating. There is an entire multi-billion dollar industry that makes its money by doing one thing and one thing only – talking and writing about other people, mostly celebrities. The thing about this industry is that there seems to rarely be a circumstance when the individual being spoken about has been thoroughly consulted regarding what is being said. Usually, that which is said or written is something of a fantastic nature that would have any onlookers or readers shake their heads in disbelief. Often these things, while perhaps based in truth, present a far-fetched conclusion. Our topic this program is not about this industry, it is about us. Do we engage in the same behavior? The Bible is very pointed about this, so stay with us as we look in the mirror and ask, “Why should we watch what we say?”