For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Galatians 5:13-15
Alice Roosevelt was just seventeen when her father Teddy became President following the assassination of President McKinley. She became a prominent figure in the Washington DC social scene, attending parties and frequently appearing in newspaper stories. One of the things for which she was most noted was her acerbic tongue. She was quick to criticize those who did not meet her approval and spoke openly against those she disliked. It is said that she kept a pillow visible in her sitting room embroidered with the motto “If you can’t say something good about someone, sit right here by me.”
It can be easy and tempting to talk about other people, especially if we have the latest “news” to pass on. But giving in to that temptation can quickly destroy relationships, damage families, and hinder God’s work. When we talk about other people in ways that damage their name and reputation we are doing the enemy’s work for him, because that is one of the priorities of the devil. “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night” (Revelation 12:10).
Every time we repeat an unverified story, pass along criticism, or share information that diminishes someone in the eyes of others, we risk becoming part of the very pattern Paul warned against. Words have the power to strengthen relationships and build up the body of Christ, but they also have the power to wound and divide. Before speaking about someone else, we should ask whether our words are motivated by love and whether they will help rather than harm.
