Learning To Choose Forgiveness, Not Gossip

In review of Proverbs 17:9 it says, “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends”

Bottom Line:

Love prospers when a wrongdoing is forgiven, to dwell on it will separate close friends

What this means to me:

Love will prosper and I will keep my friends if I forgive them, however I will lose them if I keep dwelling on and talking about the wrong they did.

I have to admit that it's really hard not to tell someone else what someone else just did to me that I thought was offensive. I think it’s because deep down, I want affirmation from somebody else. It’s a very difficult thing to let go. While it may feel good to offload and spread the word about the incident, it’s also unloving.

In God’s Word, I am told to forgive everyone, even my enemies. Today’s verse in Proverbs 17:9 reminds me, “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends” (NLT).

This offloading is a form of gossip. Gossip is sharing information with somebody who is not part of the problem or the solution. That person might not have had anything to do with the situation, but I bring them into it so I can feel better about myself. Gossip, in its essence, is a form of retaliation. I’m getting back at someone without talking to them. Instead, I’m talking about them behind their back. Gossip is incredibly destructive and separates the closest of friends.

The worst thing about gossip is that the one who made me crazy wins! All of a sudden, that person is controlling my conversation and emotions. My day is about gossiping instead of talking about some better.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:9, “Do not do wrong to repay a wrong, and do not insult to repay an insult. But repay with a blessing, because you yourselves were called to do this so that you might receive a blessing” (NCV).

I can gossip and miss out on God’s blessing. Or, I can choose to have positive conversations and use words that lift others up. When I strive to build others up, God will bestow his blessings on me.