Stop the Gossip

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 26 for January 26. So often people say there is a fine line between gossip and a prayer request or sharing something with someone "because you care", but I completely disagree. That "fine line" is not so fine at all. There's a huge and obvious line "drawn in the sand" that is defined by your heart, the reason for which you are sharing information. If I share something because I love the person, want the very best for them, and am sure that sharing it doesn't break confidence and will benefit them by my sharing, then I should probably share. But if I am sharing because I can't hold it inside, I just have to share it with someone; or I can't believe they would do such a thing; or I will feel much better about myself if I bring them down a level by sharing that person's struggle, and/or in doing so it breaks the persons confidentiality, then I shouldn't share - it's now purely gossip. You can easily pray for someone without sharing it with another soul. The only One who can truly change people anyway, is the One to whom you are praying. Before you share, stop and think about why you are sharing. Stop the gossip, love your neighbor.