When you involve yourself in gossping and slandering another person, this can impact negatively on your spiritual life.  You spend so much time minding other people’s business, you don’t have time for your own.

I have had the experience of people taking an interest in my personal life.  You see, I am a very reserved person.  In my workplace, I keep to myself and hardly really mingle with others.  This is not to say I am ’stuck up’ as some people think, it is I just prefer to be on my own than get involved in matters that does not concern me – office politics for one, and gossiping of other coworkers being the other.

Because I am such quiet person, people tend to take an unsettling  interest in me and ask questions of my closest friend which really does not concern them – am I married; does my husband work; where does he work; who is the father of my baby (when I was last pregnant);  etc, etc. 

I would tell her that because they don’t have a life of their own, that’s why they are so interested in mine.  Then there is the other aspect where they say nasty things about me because they don’t know anything about me.  Sometimes it just takes one person to say something and someone else expands on it and then it becomes so nasty and degrading you really wonder how some people could be so malicious.

I don’t take them on though.  I do what I have to in terms of my work and I make sure that all my conversations to others are about work and nothing more.  I think that is one of the reasons I happen to keep so young and happy.  I don’t worry unnecessarily and concern myself with only what concerns me.

If I am in the company of others and the topic happens to gravitate to gossiping about another person, I just excuse myself and go somewhere else, or just listen and have nothing to say.  I don’t like it for myself so I won’t do it someone else.

The bible says:

“Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own”.  Proverbs 26:17

What happens when you seize a dog by the ears?  It is likely to bite you.  When you meddle in matters that does not concern you, you are likely to be bitten.  This can happen by:

1. you getting hurt physically;
2. you worrying unnecessarily about something that has nothing to do with you;
3. you end up holding a grudge against someone because they refuse to take your advice;
4. you are so concerned about someone else’s problems your own life with its own problems are neglected.

Jesus Christ commanded that we love one another.  When you love, you do your best to see the good in everybody.  Don’t join in gossiping about others and don’t involve yourself in matters that don’t concern you directly.

We must all look at the positive side to any matter and pray for someone in a difficult situation for this is the only way we can truly help them.

Each and everyone of us have weaknesses and faults we sometimes cannot help.  If you are fortunate enough to have taken control of your life and deal with your shortcomings then praise be to God.  However, not everyone is so fortunate.

If someone is not leading an ideal life or has done something awful to you, then you should not judge or condemn them.  We must always look for the good in that person – The Christ in him.

We were all created in God’s image which means we all have the potential to do good.  We may not always understand why some people do the things they do.  Sometimes circumstances in their life have led them to live as they do, but they are not necessarly ‘bad’.

The bible tells us “all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23)

We all have sinned and it is only through Jesus Christ can we be made free from sin.  If someone has chosen not to believe in Jesus, then we must pray for them and hope one day they turn their life around.

Seeing the Christ in others is what helps us to love everyone, including our enemies, for this is what Christ commanded us to do.

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.  For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too.”  Matthew 5:44-45

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord doesn’t make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.”  I Samuel 16:7

What does it mean to judge?  In this instance to judge means to form an opinion, to criticize or to assume or suppose something.

But how does this relate to having peace of mind?  Well for one thing, it can save you a lot of embarrasement.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Susan Boyle.  She was the woman who made an appearance on the British talent show, Britains Got Talent.  When she appeared on stage, she caused quite a stir with her ‘frumpy’ look.

People in the audience laughed at her when she said she wanted to be a professional singer like Elaine Paige.  They were all very skeptical.  But when she opened her mouth and began to sing, she shocked everyone, including the judges and she instantly became an overnight sensation.

See the video.

This is a classic case of judging by appearance.

We should never judge a person by their looks, attitudes or by what other people say about them.  It is always better to get to know the person personally, or find out more from someone close to them if necessary.  We should follow the Lord’s example:

“…people judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.”  I Samuel 16:7b

You see when you judge you also put yourself in a position to be judged by others.  Don’t do to others what you do not want for yourself.

We all make mistakes, it is a part of life.  Never see yourself as better than anyone else for that is what you do when you judge others. 

“Stop judging others, and you will not be judged.  For others will treat you as you treat them.  Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.”  Matthew 7:1-2

Be sure that your heart is pure when that time comes for you to be judged.

Slow Down: There’s no need to rush, life is too short to be on the hustle and bustle for things that won’t last forever.  However, you are destined to live in eternity with Jesus Christ and other believers, so make that your main priority.

And this is the way to have eternal life – to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.”  John 17:3

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal.  Store up your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves.  Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be .”  Matthew 6:19-21

Stop Worrying: Whatever you are worried about now, won’t matter in a few years time.  Put your faith and trust in God  because he loves you and would help you get through all challenges.

“So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.  Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things?  Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”  Matthew 6:31

Don’t Judge: Don’t be quick to judge other people.  You don’t know what trials or problems they are facing.  None of us are perfect, for we all have made mistakes.  Never judge!

“Stop judging others, and you will not be judged.  For others will treat you as you treat them.  Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.”  Matthew 7:1

Forgive: If someone has done you wrong, don’t seek revenge against them, or hold malice in your heart for them.  Leave them up to God who will do justice on your behalf.  Forgive them and you will be forgiven also, as well as have peace of mind.

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.”   Mark 11:25

Stop Complaining: Be thankful for what you have and stop complaining for what you don’t.  Learn to be at peace with yourself always.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand…”  Philippians 4:6