by Ken Thomas
One of the great things about the Lord is that He provided hope for the hopeless, help for the helpless. When we were without strength, sinners, and enemies of God, Jesus died for this sinful world ( Romans 5:6-10). Yet, how often we forget our need to deal with compassion and mercy for our fellow human beings.
Max Lucado, in his book, "On the Anvil," writes of a lady who was fighting alcoholism as well as trying to return to God. She chose a small congregation where she knew several members, thinking she would be received there. Parking near the building, she overheard words that were not meant to be overheard, "How long is that alcoholic going to hang around here?" Lucado reports that she returned to her car, never to enter another church building until she died. Harmless gossip? Hardly!
Brother Lucado gave five ideas to help us control our tongues.
1. Never say anything about someone that we would not say to his face, or2. if he is not present to respond3. Refuses to listen to gossip4. Initiate positive statements about people whom you are discussing5. Remember the tongue is a fire ( James 3:6)