Most wouldn’t consider gossip to be evil.
Yet, think back through your life when you felt someone was talking bad about you behind your back and how you felt as a result.
Were there times when you had a heavy burden of someone’s expectations placed on your back?
Has there been a time when you said something about someone… only to find out that the person found out what you said?
Think about how you felt in these situations.
Then do the same, putting the shoe on the other foot in each situation.
It then becomes clear that harsh words spoken by us, to us or about us, causes separation and breaks up relationships. Unkind words cause friction instead of peace and has the potential to rob us of joy.
Sometimes, “silence is golden” and offers greater opportunities to build a relationship, enhance peace and allow joy to flourish.
As you make decisions, consider whether the outcome will promote division and separation or peace and joy. In all cases, base your decisions on love.
An ancient author offers us this great reminder.
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
~ Proverbs 12:20