DO NOT ASSOCIATE WITH A BABBLER

Longing for the ideal while criticizing the real is evidence of immaturity. 

          You will have to care enough to lovingly speak the truth, even when you would rather gloss over problem or ignore an issue. While it is much easier to remain silent when others around us are harming themselves or others with a painful pattern, it is not the loving thing to do. Often we know what needs to be said to someone, but our fears prevent us from saying anything. 

      Whenever an issue pops up, we know that it might cause tension or discomfort, it is immediately glossed over in order to preserve a false sense of peace. Friends, "don't rock the boat!" Jumps in and tries to smooth everyone's ruffled feather, the issue is never resolved, and everyone lives with an underlying frustration. Everyone knows the problem, but no one talks about it openly. This creates a sick environment of secrets where gossip thieves. We know that gossip is bad. Because it is spread by wicked people, where they stir up trouble and break up friendships. 

        Gossip is passing on information when you are neither part of the problem nor part of the solution. Listening to gossip is like accepting stolen property, and it makes you as guilty of the crime. When someone begins to gossip to you, have the courage to say "Please stop! I don't need to know this. Have you talked directly to the person?" Remember, people who gossip to you, will also gossip about you. Until you care enough to confront and resolve the underlying barriers, you will never grow close to each other. When conflict is handled correctly, we grow closer to each other by facing and resolving our differences. Because in the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery. Frankness is not a license to say anything you want, wherever and whenever you want. It is not rudeness either.  We should use our ears more than our mouth. Before attempting to solve any disagreement we must first listen to people's feelings. Hmm. Do you know the phrase "look out for?" it is the Greek word "skopos", from which we form our words "telescope and microscope" so what does this mean? Simply, pay close attention! Focus on others feelings, not the facts. "A gossip reveals secrets; therefore, do not associate with a babbler."

         We often look to others to make us happy and then get angry when they fail us. Listening says, "I value your opinion, I care about our relationship, and you matter to me." The cliche is true: People don't care what we know until they know we care. It's given, we are sinners, we hurt each other sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. But instead of leaving, we need to stay and work it out if at all possible.

'Thoughtless words leave lasting wounds.'

When you know what they've been through, you will be more understanding. Instead of thinking about how far they still have to go, think about how far they have come in spite of their hurts.

So ladies and gentlemen, please, CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY.