From 0 to 10, how often do you criticize or gossip about other people? Whether it is from people we know, or from celebrities or rulers, I think we all sometimes have a tendency to speak ill of others.
Criticism, gossip or even complaint are a form of disgrace, although sometimes we are so used to them that we hardly realize it. That is why the Bible says: "Do everything without grumbling and contention, so that you may be blameless and simple, children of God without blemish in the midst of an evil and perverse generation, in the midst of which you shine as lights in the world ... . "(Philippians 2: 14-15).
I remember that my good friend Eric Célérier, founder of A Miracle Every Day, describes in a chapter of his book "Divine Connections" a very interesting situation that he experienced in relation to precisely this topic in a conference he attended with his friend Jan - Willem. See what Eric says:
“At that time we made a commitment before God not to complain under any circumstances throughout the conference, whatever happened […] The opening of the conference was marked by a somewhat shaky start. The internet connection was not working. The miles of visitors who, like us, had to register, grew impatient in the long waiting lines. Complaints were heard everywhere.
In the midst of the chaos, Jan-Willem and I were excited, happy and perfectly composed, thanks to the decision we had made the day before. That drew people to us like we were magnets. The hotel staff also noted our positive attitude. When it was time to leave, they made us a hall of honor, to thank us in this way for the kindness we had shown them. The president of the Christianity Today newspaper told us that we were different from the rest: "You shine like stars!" (“You shine like the stars!”) ”(Eric Célérier,“ Divine Connections ”, chapter 44)
What an inspiring experience! Don't you want to do the same as Eric and Jan-Willem? Me! I want to honor everyone I come across, regardless of the circumstances, and shine with this love, with that simplicity of heart that is so nice and attractive. Also, other people love it! =)
Dear friend, make up your mind to remove criticism, complaint or gossip from your lips, and replace them with joy and blessing. God wants you to shine wherever you go!