Challenge

As I was driving to work this morning I had an inspiration for this post. A challenge for all you ladies out there. I was thinking about how much gossip and needless talk goes on everyday out of my own mouth and others around me, so here's a challenge for you to work on this month: 
Don't say anything that tears down, hurts, discourages, makes fun of, or is something that would make you feel bad if you knew a person or friend was saying it about you. (Even if it's true, be the bigger person and leave it alone.)
Well that's hard enough work right there, but take it a step further. If someone tries to say something to you that falls in the category listed above; gather your courage and stop it. Just refuse to enter in or start worthless talk. Don't even listen to it.  We as women have big mouths, and it isn't pleasing to God or anyone else. It can be a  slow poison that makes us incredibly ugly on the inside and the outside. I once heard someone say that you know it's gossip if one person's words change your opinion of who they are talking about.  My own husband challenges me in this area all the time. Just last week, I brought up a topic that wasn't necessary to talk about, and he said to me: "Gabbi, that sounds like gossip." I immediately shut my mouth and changed the subject. I knew deep down that's exactly what it was: ugly gossip.  


"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. " 
Ephesians 4:29

"A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends." Proverbs 16:28

"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless." James 1:26

"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak."
Matthew 12:36

"To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people." Titus 3:2