As the semester is coming to a close, there are so many other beginnings to take its place. Like the beginning of new seasons, spring and summer– sunshine, blooming flowers, and greening trees. There's also a new season of being involved in my Church– Hillsong. I've recently gotten back into serving, and cannot wait to see what God has in store for the people of this city. Lastly, summer brings a new semester. One full of new classes, new experiences, and new opportunities. I cannot put into words how challenging, amazing, and fulfilling moving to this city has been. I'm paving a career path that I love, while God is using my life here to work on me. It's a blessing when it comes to my relationship with Jesus over anything else.
While I'm being transparent, being a Christian in this city can be difficult at times. Not really the temptation of a wild life, I've never been much for that as it is, but more of when it comes to having a Christ-like attitude. I don't want to come across as a gossip in any way, but there's a lot of gossip that goes on in this world of glitz and glamour. And, that makes sense. It's stressful, often chaotic, and some bosses/professors like to work you to the bone. You need to let all the pressure off your chest, especially when a co-worker, professor, or someone else is just grating on your last nerves. Every human has worth, no one deserves to be cut down by another's words. There's a delicate balance when it comes to bringing your problems to Jesus in tandem with your release of emotions among your friends. That's one that I'm trying to learn. Truth and grace is key. Gossip is like the game of telephone. Even if you say something that may not be absolutely horrid, all it takes is a small spark to ignite a wild fire.
So, how do we handle gossip? From my convictions and truth based in scripture, I believe that it's okay to "vent". If that's all it is. Talk to your closest friends or family about what's going on, but then come up with a solution regarding how to fix it and handle the situation. That may be saying something to the person that is aggravating you, or even making a pact with yourself not to fly of the handle whenever so-and-so says something that just triesss your patience. But hey, what is my word worth if isn't built on solid ground? Lets take a look at some scripture.
As it says in the Proverbs 16:28, "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisper separates close friends."
Again in Proverbs 11:16, "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered." And here's one from Titus, the frosting on this truth cupcake.
Titus 3:2, "To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people."
Which it all pretty much boils down to is Luke 6:31 "And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them."
Now, I'm far from a saint when it comes to handling gossip, its a tricky and messy thing. BUT, it's something that I, we, should all consciously work on. This is especially true as Christians since we are made new in Christ, and it's only in thanks to Him that we are redeemed. And, if you're a "born again" human being, you know what a beautiful gift that truly is. We shouldn't misuse grace, especially not when we truly understand it. It should break our hearts when people make bad choices, are searching for themselves in wrong ways, the wrong people, or even in the wrong places. It should be us, as Christians, who pray for those who are hurting, struggling with sin, and those who are oblivious to the love that Jesus has for them. Here are a few verses that outline this truth.
Ephesians 4:32 sums it up quite beautifully, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgave you."
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is an excellence, if there is anything worth of praise, think about these things."
Galatians 5:13 "For you were called to freedom. Only, do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
I hope each of you have a beautiful day!
Xo
While I'm being transparent, being a Christian in this city can be difficult at times. Not really the temptation of a wild life, I've never been much for that as it is, but more of when it comes to having a Christ-like attitude. I don't want to come across as a gossip in any way, but there's a lot of gossip that goes on in this world of glitz and glamour. And, that makes sense. It's stressful, often chaotic, and some bosses/professors like to work you to the bone. You need to let all the pressure off your chest, especially when a co-worker, professor, or someone else is just grating on your last nerves. Every human has worth, no one deserves to be cut down by another's words. There's a delicate balance when it comes to bringing your problems to Jesus in tandem with your release of emotions among your friends. That's one that I'm trying to learn. Truth and grace is key. Gossip is like the game of telephone. Even if you say something that may not be absolutely horrid, all it takes is a small spark to ignite a wild fire.
So, how do we handle gossip? From my convictions and truth based in scripture, I believe that it's okay to "vent". If that's all it is. Talk to your closest friends or family about what's going on, but then come up with a solution regarding how to fix it and handle the situation. That may be saying something to the person that is aggravating you, or even making a pact with yourself not to fly of the handle whenever so-and-so says something that just triesss your patience. But hey, what is my word worth if isn't built on solid ground? Lets take a look at some scripture.
As it says in the Proverbs 16:28, "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisper separates close friends."
Again in Proverbs 11:16, "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered." And here's one from Titus, the frosting on this truth cupcake.
Titus 3:2, "To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people."
Which it all pretty much boils down to is Luke 6:31 "And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them."
Now, I'm far from a saint when it comes to handling gossip, its a tricky and messy thing. BUT, it's something that I, we, should all consciously work on. This is especially true as Christians since we are made new in Christ, and it's only in thanks to Him that we are redeemed. And, if you're a "born again" human being, you know what a beautiful gift that truly is. We shouldn't misuse grace, especially not when we truly understand it. It should break our hearts when people make bad choices, are searching for themselves in wrong ways, the wrong people, or even in the wrong places. It should be us, as Christians, who pray for those who are hurting, struggling with sin, and those who are oblivious to the love that Jesus has for them. Here are a few verses that outline this truth.
Ephesians 4:32 sums it up quite beautifully, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgave you."
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is an excellence, if there is anything worth of praise, think about these things."
Galatians 5:13 "For you were called to freedom. Only, do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
I hope each of you have a beautiful day!
Xo