Gossip is saying something behind someone else’s back that you wouldn’t say to their face, but flattery is saying something to their face that you would never say behind their back. Flattery typically comes with an agenda — whether to people-please, get a certain response or result, or appear a certain way to someone else. Empty words not only bring down one person and relationship, but they “work ruin” and cultivate a shallow community.
In contrast, truthfulness is in God’s character. Not only truth about who we are, our value, and His purpose for us, but also in our shortcomings and sin areas where we need correction. Gossip, slander, and flattery not only hurt relationships but also create a barrier to the necessary role of confrontation in community. Maybe the next step in this area is actually sharing an uncomfortable truth with someone in your life?
The honest truth is that we all have a growth area somewhere within the commandment to “not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16) As we wrap up the week, I wonder what God may be highlighting in your life. Are your words serving to build trust with others rather than tearing them down?
When we live out God’s commands, we are not only strengthened individually, but we also protect and build each other up and our community! May this be true of this family of imperfect people at Cypress Creek Church.