Psalm 1 Blessings
I’m studying Psalm 1 and it’s relating to me in so many different ways. As each way is clearly revealed, I will post about it. The first thing that came to me was gossiping. Gossiping hurts not only the subject but you.
I try very hard to stay away from gossip. In the past, not only did I enjoy hearing it, but I enjoyed being a participant in it as well. Honestly, I don’t know why as I would always feel horrible after. Maybe it was because I was being “included” in something. But, that inclusion was in something negative. It not only hurt another person, whether they knew about it or not, but it was also hurting me.
1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV)
Walking, Standing, and Sitting
Gossip can start out small. You’re minding your business and someone pulls you aside for a conversation (walk). That leads to you actively joining in a conversation, possibly even seeking it out (stand). Finally, you are one of the main participants (sit), feeling comfortable with your group of cohorts. You’re actively partaking in an activity that puts you in a negative light and hurts another person. This is a simplistic form of an incredibly deep verse of scripture, but I think you see the point. This can apply to many things.
Making an Effort to Stop
Gossiping hurts. I’ve been on the giving and receiving end of this. One day, I made a decision to not participate in it any longer. I didn’t want to be an active participant, nor did I want to hear it. I didn’t realize just how hard that would be. It wasn’t hard to not pass along something I’d heard, I was very good about keeping things to myself. But, when someone said “Did you hear about…?” my brain would immediately go to “No, what happened?” More times than I care to admit, my mouth asked the question.
Working on My Relationship
However, the more I dive into my relationship with God, the easier it is becoming to walk away. I’ve been able to simply say “That’s a shame.” and walk away. Better yet, I’ve been able to just say that it’s best that I don’t know since I’m not directly involved. The closer I am to God and the more I am in the Word, the easier it becomes to not participate.
While I’m not at the point of meditating day and night, I am ensuring that I’m reading the Bible daily. I will either let it play or read some Bible verses if I don’t set aside enough time to study that day. Rather than walk with the wicked, stand with sinners and sit with mockers, I’d rather receive joy in my relationship with God (blessings).
Be Careful
The next time you’re tempted to be a part of this activity, please reconsider. Is what is being said encouraging or helpful to anyone? Is it spiteful and mean? Do you know if it’s even the truth? Gossiping hurts. Consider removing yourself from the situation. Enjoy your blessings from the Lord rather than the possible regret from walking, standing, and sitting with mockers.
Have a blessed and prosperous week!
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