Godly Advice vs. Worldly Gossip.
This past week I needed Godly advice. I immediately wanted to turn to my community. But the advice I needed involved a situation with members of that very same community. Immediately, I was stressed, because I didn’t want to “gossip” or talk bad - I just wanted God-lead advice on the best way to handle a hard conversation.
I lost sleep.
I swear - I tossed and turned all night, because I had so much anxiety about this conversation.
Through that, I did a lot of prayer, and God led me. He led me to scripture to remind me that you can seek godly advice without it being worldly gossip simply based on your heart posture and the heart posture of the person you are seeking leadership from… And this is another reason why godly community matters.
First, I prayed Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” I knew the sheer doubt and worry I was feeling was from the enemy. The enemy loves conflict, and he loves breaking what God is building.
Next, I sought leadership like we are taught in Proverbs 1:5, “Let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance.” I knew I needed guidance to set aside my flesh and see what the Biblical problem and solution was. And my leadership did not disappoint.
The hard conversation was not hard. God’s grace and love was present, and honestly, I feel closer, more loved, and more seen than ever. The enemy was trying to distract me from God deepening a relationship.
In reflection, this whole event has me deep in thought about the difference in seeking Godly advice to learn and grow or using that as a cover for gossip and complaints…
God does not like slander. God does not like gossip. God does not like negativity. So if you go to leadership with the intent of getting someone on your side, having them agree with your perspective or justify your feelings… you’re quite literally doing something God does not like. Your heart posture is in the wrong place. That is worldly gossip. & the enemy is using that worldly gossip to distract you from a bigger piece of God’s plan.
God loves compassion. God loves grace and mercy. God loves fellowship and community. If you go to leadership with the intent of resolution, having solution with no harm, and growth for all - you are doing what God loves. That is godly advice. And learn from me - that Godly Advice will not stear you wrong. Instead, it will open the door for God to work and move in unseen beautiful ways.
What I learned from the scripture and what I learned from the story is having the right leadership surrounding you matters, praying for that leadership matters, and seeking that leadership when you’re feeling overwhelmed is invaluable.
I had the hard conversation… and guess what it wasn’t hard. It was God filled and spirit lead. Just by looking for Godly advice, I found a Bible teacher who reminded me who I was, and who this friend was, and that it was simply the voice of the enemy manipulating the voice of love.
Worldly gossip would’ve created division and distrust, but by praying and seeking Godly leadership, I feel more secure and have a stronger love for this friend.
I challenge you to pray the next time difficulty arises in your friend group or your family. Ask God to direct you to Godly advice here in the flesh. I promise you, if you give him the space to work you will not be disappointed with the results.
Pursue peace.
Pursue grace.
And pursue mercy.
Godly advice gives life where is worldly gossip creates turmoil.
Let God pour life into you. Let him pour light into your darkness.
God’s Love and Mine,
Christina
