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“How would your life be different if…You walked away from gossip and verbal defamation? Let today be the day…You speak only the good you know of other people and encourage others to do the same.”

Gossip is like a secret craving. We say we don’t like it, but when it’s within reach, we almost can’t resist it. We get a sudden appetite to know what we don’t know… about somebody else.

Why is it so hard to stop? Proverbs 18:8 says, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.”

No, you might think. Not me. I’m not into sharing the dirty details about a person’s life just for fun. But gossip comes in many flavors, and it involves listening as well. Proverbs 17:4 notes: “Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.” Yikes!
Types of Gossip and What the Bible Says

How do we know what’s gossip and what’s not gossip? We can find a number of bible verses about gossip, especially in Proverbs, and we can also ask God to reveal it to us. James 1:5 tells us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Have any of the types of gossip below been too tempting for you to resist lately?

Slander
It’s defined as spreading rumors or lies about a person to cause damage purposely. The written form of it is libel.

The bible mentions slander countless times in lists like this one: “But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips” (Colossians 3:8).

James 4:11 tells it straight: “Brothers, do not slander one another.”
Dishing

“Dishin’ the dirt” basically means sharing the “juicy info” you learned about someone. Maybe the intent isn’t to directly cause damage, but by keeping the gossip alive, it continues to spread and taint the image of the person it’s about.

Proverbs 20:19 tells us that a gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

James 5:9 says, “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
Rumors

You hear something, and it’s not good, and it’s also not confirmed as true. But you tell someone or ask someone else about it to get more info. The rumor mill turns and turns and the gossip spreads.

Proverbs 13:3 says, “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”
Backbiting

It’s a flavor of gossip that involves speaking spiteful or slanderous words about another who is not present and can do nothing in defense. It’s secretive, and the bible actually mentions it by name in Proverbs 22:23: “The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.”

Also: “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure” (Psalm 101:5).
Not-Really-Joking Jokes

Have you ever taken some part of truth and turned it into a joke about someone that makes other question their character? It also serves as a passive way to spread more gossip. Example: Maybe he/she will actually get off the couch today long enough to blahblah. haha.

When the joking is harmful to another, it’s mockery. How can you know a mocker? It’s in the bible. Proverbs 21:24 says, “Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.” And verse 9:8 says, “A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.”

In addition, Proverbs 22:10 says, “Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”

And Psalm 1:1 starts out: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.”
Planting Seeds

The bible tells us we reap what we sow. With that in mind, this type of gossip is said in such a way to make the listener question or assume something about the character of a person. For example: Isn’t it weird how he keeps staring at your girlfriend when you’re not looking?

James 3:5 tells us, “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”

A warning from the bible from Proverbs 16:28: “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Whispered Innuendo

These subtle insinuations can mislead others into thinking wrong thoughts, especially if the conclusions are based on gossipy hunches. Here’s an example: It’s interesting how he was “out of town” the night she was murdered.

Proverbs 26:30 tells us, “For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.”

And a warning from the bible: “What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs” (Luke 12:3).
Got-This-All-Wrong Gossip

You admit you probably got it wrong, but spread it anyway, because it’s still touching on some points that could be true. Or would sound exciting if true. Either way, it usually starts out like this: I probably got this all wrong, but apparently…

This is one of the most common types of gossip. We think we’re just passing on the latest news. Could it hurt someone? Meh. Maybe. But if we don’t even know the person, does it matter? James 4:17 says, “Anyone, then, who know the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”

Thankfully, Jesus gave us an example to follow:

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is said whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs” (Matt 10:26-27).

“These are the few ways we can practice humility:

To speak as little as possible of one's self.

To mind one's own business.

Not to want to manage other people's affairs.

To avoid curiosity.

To accept contradictions and correction cheerfully.

To pass over the mistakes of others.

To accept insults and injuries.

To accept being slighted, forgotten and disliked.

To be kind and gentle even under provocation.

Never to stand on one's dignity.

To choose always the hardest.”

Only Love Can Change the World

Changing the world… everyone seems to have their own idea about how it should be done. From politicians to TV personalities to the lady down the block. While everyone is campaigning for change why doesn’t it seem that real change is being made?

The world tries to force change without the one key ingredient that makes real change—Love.

I set the plan for change into motion by sending my son, Jesus, to the world. He spelled it out for everyone when he said,

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

First you must love me, pour yourself into a relationship with me. I ask this because it makes the second command much easier. I can give you the strength to love others. The courage to reach out, the boldness to be kind, the joy to share with others.

When you reach out to those around you with love you will begin to make a difference in the world. The smallest acts of love could make the greatest of difference. So go ahead be kind to the fast food clerk who got your order wrong, be understanding of the single mother at the grocery store, do something extra for a friend, give your parents a call (or a hug) and find ways to show love to your neighbors.
3 for 3:

1 – Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. The Bible’s famous chapter on love says that you can do a lot of things that seem important and grand, but without love they are meaningless.

2 – Make a note of John 13:34-35 or put a reminder on your phone. Come back to this verse every day this week and let it encourage you as you strive to love those around you.

3 – This type of world changing love can only come when you have a personal relationship with God. If you haven’t begun a relationship with him yet talk to one of our frnds

Bring Me Your Burdens

For the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer. – Psalm 6:8-9 (NLT)

Some people think I am a distant God, cold and uncaring. They trudge through life angry and disgusted with the state of the world. Others believe that I only exist to punish them. They plod along thinking that I am “out to get them.” Yet others don’t even acknowledge me! Them blame chance or bad luck for everything that goes wrong in their lives.

What about you? Who do you believe I am? Do you believe what my word says? “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” (John 11:25 NLT)

I asked one of my followers this once, her response was amazing, “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” (John 11:27 NLT)

Do you know why her response was so amazing? Martha gave me this answer in this midst of great disappointment and grief. One of my close friends and her brother, Lazarus had just died.

You see, Martha and her sister Mary had been there and seen my miracles, so when Lazarus got sick they believed that I would come and heal him. Their belief turned to grief when he died before I arrived. They accused me saying, “If only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32 NLT)

My heart broke for them; I was moved to tears. Yes, to tears. I wept with them, for their loss and for their disappointment. And then I acted—I proved to them that I was who I said I was and that I had the power I claimed to have. Even though he had been dead for 3 days I raised Lazarus back to life.

When your heart is heavy with grief, or heartache, or worry, or depression you need to know that I am a God who cares, but even more so that I am a God who is able to act. Ask me and I will give you comfort, wisdom and strength. I will help you carry your burdens. More than anything I want you to know that you are not alone. I am here for you. Do you believe that?
3 for 3:

1 – Read the story of Lazarus in John 11:1-44. Pay special attention to what Jesus says in verses 4 and 42. Why do you think Jesus allowed for Lazarus to die before coming to Bethany? Also notice how despite having foreknowledge of what would take place Jesus was still moved with emotion over the grief of his friends. How does the effect the way you think about God?

2 – Look up Isaiah 40:31 and write it out on a blank piece of paper, then use your creativity to fill the paper with drawings or colors or words that this verse evokes. Meditate on the verse and let the words sink deep into your heart and mind.

3 – Sometimes understanding why difficult situations happen can keep you from believing in God. That’s why we’ve created the “How Can I Believe In A Good God When…” Q&A page.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. —Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

Some people have forgotten that they have true worth. They measure success, riches, and outward appearances as if those things can contribute to a person’s meaningfulness. They have missed the point!

If you have been measuring yourself along these lines, you’ll end up disappointed.

The world will constantly tell you that you don’t measure up. That you need to do more, own more, be more. The yardstick is constantly moving — just when you think you’ve arrived, something else comes along.

A person’s real value isn’t found in the world, it’s found in me. In my measure of your life. Do you want to know what I think you’re worth?

Beyond creating you, caring for you, and being with you, I died for you:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. —John 3:16 (NIV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8

What was the price I was willing to pay for you? How much did I think your life was worth? What was I willing to invest? The truth is: I gave it all, laid it all on the line … and would do it again.

3 for 3:

Watch Awaken the Wonder with Louie Giglio
Write out the two verses in the text above (John 3:16 and Romans 5:8) and personalize them. For God so loved ________ (Cindy, Mark, Heather, John) that he gave his one and only Son… etc.
A Prayer: Jesus, you are so good to me. I know you see me as someone who is valuable and loved. Someone worth dying for. Help me to understand your love for me. Help me to understand my true worth. Help me to see myself through your eyes. Help me not to measure myself by the world’s standards. In your name I pray, amen.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. —Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

Unforeseen circumstances – the car accident, the breakdown, the bounced check, the diagnosis, the call from the principal … there are a thousand ways your day can become unsettled.

When you find yourself facing a burden larger than you can bear, I am here to help you. Turn to me. Seek my direction. Stop for a moment and listen for my voice. Don’t let your circumstances put you in a tailspin. Remember that I can assist with anything you need.

I have been there for you all along, through every trial and hardship, whether you’ve known it or not. I am your ever-present help in time of need. I am your comforter, your refuge, and your strength. When you have a need, turn to me.

When you choose to seek me even in the hardest situations, your focus will shift, bringing light to the darkness, strength to your weakness, and comfort to your soul. Wouldn’t you rather focus on the one who will lift you from the darkness than the darkness itself?

Next time you are in need of help, just breathe these words: “God, be with me.”
3 for 3:

1 – Read Psalm 121. Pick a verse that stands out to you and write it down (in your prayer journal if you have one). Make note of why this verse was important to you.

2 – This week work to memorize Psalm 46:10: “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” What does it mean to be still? How can you practice stillness in your walk with God?

3 – A Prayer: Father, when trouble comes, it seems to hurry me along its path. Instead of seeking you, I rush around blinded by my circumstances. I know there is a better way to handle things. Help me to learn to reach out to you. Help me to have the courage to stop and look to you. God, be with me and guide my steps today. In your name I pray. Amen.

students having fun with the ICT teacher

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Happy new month kids.

Engr Alex Orji.