ON CHRISTIANITY

By BILLY GRAHAM

Posted: December 31, 2009 at 4:36 a.m.

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LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I wish you’d say something about gossiping, because I don’t think people realize just how destructive it can be. Am I right, or am I just too sensitive to what people say about me?

- L.T.

DEAR L.T.: I don’t know if you’re too sensitive to what people say (or what you think they say); only you can answer that question. If you sense it may be true, ask God to help you become less concerned about yourself and more concerned about others.

But I do know gossiping can be one of the most destructive and cruelest habits any person can practice. It destroys the reputation of others because it’s often based on half-truths or outright lies. It also destroys the character of the person who gossips; who is going to trust you as a friend if you have a reputation as a gossip? No wonder the Bible says, “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28).

Have you ever asked yourself why some people gossip? Often a person gossips simply because they want to appear important or “in the know.” But that’s a very sel fcentered motive and not one that God will honor. Sometimes, however, people gossip from very evil motives, deliberately trying to tear down others.

Commit your tongue - and your whole life - to Jesus Christ. Then make it your goal always to speak truthfully, and with words that heal.

Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the Web site at

www.billygraham.org

Weekend, Pages 30 on 12/31/2009

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