Be Careful Little Mouths What You Repeat

Monday, October 10, 2011 Posted by Joline

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I asked my Pastor-husband what he took away from yesterday's post, and he shared the following, "Don't assume. Ask questions."

That's his standard reply. And a wise one at that. While I'm known for launching into massive statements and then having to apologize, my husband knows the wisdom in GATHERING information before UNLOADING information.

Example: The national political climate. It's tense. I am of the opinion (surprise?) that we as Christians do NOT do a stellar job of loving our neighbors during election season.

I made a pact with a neighbor who happens to lean on the opposite side of the political fence from me, that I would refrain from repeating or posting (via Facebook) disparaging remarks about her chosen candidates or current politicians holding office. My decision was motivated by a FB post about our current President which included information that was later found to be false. As I recall, only one or two people apologized for spreading the information. I am certainly not immune to mishandling information I have read, or heard, and have also fallen to the temptation of spreading lies, (in the form of information which I could not confirm to be true) and personal digs.  But, convicted, I felt I needed to stop.

Remember that Zacchaeus guy in Luke 19:1-10? According to scripture, Jesus didn't mutter disapproval about him to the others lining the street, or call up to him in the tree saying, "You are a thief and an idiot!"

Nope. He stayed as a guest at his house.

Our words, whether spoken or written, can be a landfill of sound bites taken out of context, lies, and rude comments. We teach our children to speak respectfully, and as adults we may need to retake the very course we are teaching our little ones. In the case of Zacchaeus, like that of the Samaritan, Jesus made Himself accessible with his words, where He could have chosen to alienate.

James 1:19 (NLT) Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: you must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. (And may I add, slow to RE-POST, SHARE, and STATE as fact).


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