Don't Tell Anyone But...

How often have you heard or even participated in conversations that start like this,

"Don't mention this to anyone, but so-and-so really needs prayers because... (Insert private info here)."?

Unfortunately, we often confuse a true desire for prayer and concern with our need to share secrets. In the end it is really one thing, gossip!

If the other person's needs were really our focus we would not reveal details of the struggle they are going through. We would bend ourselves like a pretzel to protect their anonymity. We could spend more time in prayer ourselves for that person and less time discussing their situation with others.

This is a good reminder for myself. If the words coming out of my mouth could hurt, not help someone, then why am I uttering them. God bless.