Gossip’s Careless Words

I’ll never forget this story told me by my Sunday School teacher. My teacher, a lovely woman named Hope, taught us a very valuable lesson that day. It was about judging people’s character and actions without knowing their circumstance.

Apparently Hope and a few other girls had been “discussing” (gossiping) about another girl in their class. In particular, they judged her supposed over-use of makeup. The Gossipers arrived at the quick conclusion that this girl was loose and was therefore looking for attention. The group of girls decided that the girl discussed was not fit company. From now on, I will refer to the girl as “Sally”. After that consensus, Sally was openly shunned.

Now one day Hope, lost in thought, entered the girls’ bathroom. What she encountered there left her shocked and deeply ashamed. Sally was standing in front of a mirror, a bottle of concealer in her hand. Her bare face was horribly scarred by third degree burns. She was applying the concealer heavily, placing layer upon layer in an attempt to cover up this disfigurement. The enormity of the hurtful messages aimed at Sally hit Hope hard. It created in her a sense of despair.

I don’t recall the details of what happened next. I’m sure Hope told the other girls. Shame most likely ensued, at the very least regret.

We have all encountered similar situations. No doubt, we have been talked about and judged. We all have talked about others in disparaging ways.

Hope taught me a valuable lesson that day and one that I felt was very relevant. I know it made an impact on me. We all need to think before we speak unkindly of someone. Jesus tells us:

Matthew 12:36 KJV

³⁶ But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

So, let’s us our minds and tongues for good…not evil:

Philippians 4:8 KJV

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

-Melanie DiLeo