A perverse person spreads dissension,
and a gossip separates the closest friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
I imagine myself in paradise, twirling through the light of God’s presence. I don’t know if it can happen in that place but, if a negative word against someone else comes to my lips, I’ll know what to do. I’ll consider the glorious face of Jesus, recall how he suffered for the target of my slander, and I’ll close my mouth. They don’t gossip in heaven.
I envision hell as a realm full of ruthless, backstabbing liars. That’s where they curse our God, his city, and his people. They probably badmouth each other too.
Heaven never gossips and hell never tires of the perversion. It’s here on temporary earth that we choose which realm we champion by way of our mouths.
Words are sacred, with the power to create or to destroy. As beings made in God’s image, we are granted authority to use our words to change the world around us. What am I doing with that gift?
Our Heavenly Father saw me playing in the mud of dissension. After washing me clean, he led me to a playroom full of eternal possessions. If I slip back into the mire, it means I’ve forgotten my benefactor and reverted to throwing the mud of gossip.
Prayer: Remind me, oh Lord, to save my tongue for praising you.