We have been created as relational beings and as such we are to have a relationship with God and others. The Bible gives us clear direction on how to live with and treat others. A maturing Christian has an increasing desire to live in accord with what the Bible says about connecting with, behaving towards, and treating others. These ways will deepen trust, increase compassion, and develop everlasting bonds with others. It will also provide a powerful example to the world that the Bible is relevant, it will honor Christ, and glorify God.
“For him who confesses, shams are over and realities have begun; he has exteriorized his rottenness…he longer smears it over with hypocritical show of virtue – he lives at least on the basis of veracity (truth).”
William James
Confession is good the for soul…it takes a heavy burden off your shoulders by cleansing you and is the first step in dealing with life on life’s terms. The Bible tells us that those who conceal their sins will not prosper, but those who confess and forsake those sins will find mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
Rumors playing Comments in the making Really…what are you saying? Gossip, Gossip, Gossip
-Anonymous
The destructiveness of gossip should come as no surprise. The Bible tells us that man can tame wild beasts, but can’t tame the tongue. It is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. (James 3:7-8) No doubt, our tongues are used to bless, uplift, and encourage, but they are also used to curse, run down, and discourage.
Gossip entices us because our hearts want to know the “dirt” as it pleases our innermost being. (Proverbs 18:8)
Nothing good comes from gossip. It betrays friendships and if done enough will prevent new friendships. (Proverbs 20:19) It damages the reputation of the person and makes you look foolish.
I don’t know if this is true for you, but if my desire is deep enough I can rationalize away anything, even though I know better. My desire enables me to shoot myself in the foot.
For example, my metabolism is beginning to slow, but my eating habits haven’t. I still eat what I want when I want because I have always been able to do it.
Well, I haven’t put the breaks on my eating habit and have gained about 10 pounds. Even though I do not need eat the same amount of food I as I used to, I still do. I just polished of a small carton of ice cream. I wasn’t really hungry, it just sounded good so my desire rationalized eating the whole thing.
If I don’t get a handle on this struggle soon, I will have entered into the world of gluttony and loss of self-control.
I could wrestle with this issue silently in mind and tell myself that “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can” all I want, but when the temptation comes, can I? Will I?
Here is where the rubber meets the road. It’s easy to love someone who you like … anyone can do that, but what about loving someone despite the differences you may have with them?
Scripture is clear on this issue. Matthew 5:44-48
Imagine being in a relationship that you can’t get out of and the other person waxes and wanes between despising, disobeying, and loving; abandoning, and then wanting you. Have you been there?
You give them clear direction on how to stay out of trouble because you love them, yet they do what they want, when they want to do it. They continually disobey you because in their headstrong way they believe that their way is the better way ... that their desires are more valuable than your relationship. Have you been there?
Examine Your Motives 
though I know better. My desire enables me to shoot myself in the foot.
but what about loving someone despite the differences you may have with them?