don't be the start of chinese whispers.

I've often taken on the role of listener and observer at my school. i may be bubbly, chatty person but on occasions, i will sit back and take a look at whats going on and whats being said. After 5 years i've come to the conclusion, that mindless gossip is the main factor in fall outs, misery, and a person left feeling alone and hurt.

Many have said to me in the past " why did i not bother to get to know this person before, i've missed out on years of friendship just because i judged based on what i'd heard about "

I think its safe to say everyone at some point or another is responsible for spreading malicious rumours about people when we don't actually know the facts or the situation. This does huge damage. People are prone to believe what they hear. It appears that friends of mine take great delight in either starting a lie about someone or spreading it after hearing it.

The effects gossip can have on a victim of lies is horrible. It becomes the norm. from one rumour to another spread and then it is assumed that everything said about a person is the truth, when in fact, most don't bother finding out who the person truly is and what a good friend they could become. It makes people unable to be there true selves around others and because it can happen so often to individuals they get used to it and just have to get on with it. but why should they?

God through his word shares alot about the dangers of gossip and "taming of the tongue" James 3 says this " 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. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of ones life on fire. and is itself set on fire by hell" That last sentence is quite a shocking truth. No human can tame the tongue by himself. Only through imitating Jesus can we improve this. We must make a conscious decision to control what we say.

My mum used to say when i was younger " think before you speak". Its vital.

I'll carry on observing these chinese whispers, and in my sinful nature will no doubt be part of it.

But try with me to control what you say? it'll do a world of good for you and your friendships.