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Key Bible Verse: Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another (Romans 14:13a).
Bonus Reading:Romans 14:10-13

About 20 years ago, I said something impromptu to the new members standing in a row across the front of the church. As we received them, the Holy Spirit prompted me to add, "And now, I charge you that if you ever hear another member speak an unkind word of criticism or slander against anyone—myself, an usher, a choir member, or anyone else—that you stop that person in midsentence and say, 'Excuse me—who hurt you? Who ignored you? Who slighted you? Was it Pastor Cymbala? Let's go to his office right now. He'll apologize to you, and then we'll pray together so God can restore peace to this body. Be we won't let you talk critically about people who aren't present to defend themselves.'

"I'm serious about this. I want you to help resolve this kind of thing immediately. And know this: If you are ever the one doing the loose talking, we'll confront you."

To this day, every time we receive new members, I say much the same thing. That's be cause I know what most easily destroys churches. It's not crack cocaine, government oppression or even lack of funds. Rather it's gossip and slander that grieves the Holy Spirit.

—Jim Cymbala in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

>Talk with one friend you often share with and ask that person to hold you accountable for your speech. See if the practice will spill over into other relationships.

Slander slays three persons: the speaker, the spoken to, and the spoken of.

—Hebrew proverb Adapted from Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (Zondervan, 1997).

NOTE: For your convenience, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire is available in the ChristianityToday.com Shopping Channel.

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Prayer for the Week

Jesus, show me the ways I need to grow as a communicator. Give me courage and discernment as I speak.

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