I’ve never posted my full testimony here on my blog; as much of it is very personal – but I have posted it on the T2CHK message board.  So if you’d care to read it, you can join the board to do so.  Within my testimony, I talk about my childhood and how I was gripped in fear until my early adult life.  Fear of rejection, fear of what others would think of me – it was low self-esteem, depression, people pleasing; all of it summed up as fear.  Not an uncommon affliction and given many names, but fear is the root.

After I became a born again believer at age 25, God began to heal me of fear and I began to read His word and grow in my knowledge of Him and form opinions on a great many things.  I learned I can be quite opinionated!    Perhaps so many years of not being so, can do that to a person.    It took a few years for me to learn to express those opinions with diplomacy and tact, without compromising what I believe.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.“  Ephesians 4:29-32

As a mature believer in Christ, I am called by God to walk-the-walk and be an example to others, as all believers are.  So I am often shocked and amazed to see others calling themselves believers ‘talkin’ trash’ about other fellow Christians.  I’m referring specifically to other web sites, TV programs and/or books that tear down specific persons and/or ministries because they do not agree with their exact doctrines and/or teachings.   Calling them out by name!  Now why would one Christian do this to another brother or sister in Christ?  If you do not agree with their doctrine or teachings, then do not buy their product or listen to their ministry; but, who are you to determine if you are right and they are wrong?  They may equally agree you are wrong and they are right!   But to talk trash about another believer is not anything other than gossip.  Pure and simple.  Unless you have personal, first-hand experience with this ministry/person and know first-hand of which you speak, then it’s nothing more than hearsay and gossip!  And all of this trash talk is time spent away from edifying work for the kingdom.  Tearing someone, or another ministry, down is not edifying or productive.  It is time that could be better spent on more edifying and productive pursuits for the kingdom of God!  Can I get an AMEN?!!

I believe fear drives many of these folks to talk trash about others.  They are suffering from low self-esteem, depression, etc… whatever name you want to give it, but fear is the root.  They are a hurting and angry people who don’t love themselves, so they are not able to show love toward anyone else – and they look for ways to spew their hatred and fear.  So they talk trash.   Sure, they sound self-righteous and quote scripture and make it all sound good, but really, they’re miserable inside.  They have no love for themselves, nor for others.  They’re filled with fear.    I used to be like that.  So I know.  I recognize it.  I believe it’s why God gave me the gift of encouragement.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

Oh how I pray that those living in fear would pray and be set free!  Really and truly FREE!  You can have opinions – even strongly held ones, but you can also use tact and diplomacy when sharing them.  This is what the love of Christ is all about.  Not thinking more of yourself then you ought (Romans 12:3), but loving others more than yourself. (Galatians 5:14).

Instead of talkin’ trash towards others, why not seek out the lost and share the gospel with them;  volunteer at a homeless shelter, a battered women’s shelter or a crisis pregnancy center.  Do something for the kingdom of Christ, besides talk trash toward another believer, which serves no useful edifying purpose.

Let’s walk as mature Christians and be a shining example of what Christians should be and do.

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

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Written by Traci Knoppe ©: Aside from her roles as wife, mother of six, mother-in-law and grandmother, Traci also works at home as a business owner.

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