We all live in small towns. Our “communities” consist of our families, friends, fellow workers, and acquaintances. As we become aware of their individual histories, it’s often tempting to pass judgment. “So-and-so is very nice, but one time . . . . .”, and a story is related that tells of So-and-so’s behavior having fallen short.
An accomplished gossip will not just tell of one or two shortcomings. An entire history of of mistakes will be listed. When the knowledge is available, the story may encompass two, three, or four generations. “One of So-and-so’s parents did the same thing.” Older gossips may have tidbits going back to the grandparents.
This sort of thing is interesting in two ways. First of all, we frequently enjoy hearing about others’ mistakes. Overriding that interest should be an inquiry into our own reaction to tale-carrying. Why, exactly, do we find such gossip so titillating?
It is a childish way to make ourselves feel better. “I never did anything as bad as what So-and-so did.”, we say to ourselves as if that makes us better than we are.
In fact, the only shortcomings upon which we should focus are our own. When The Loving Programmer sees us judging others harshly, it is clearly part of His Operating Instructions that He will judge us the same way.
In the list of prayer requests that we, ourselves, were told to make, is included “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” As we become less judgmental, we are judged with more mercy. The more judgmental we are, the less mercy we will receive when the day The Book of Revelations tells us is coming arrives: The Judge takes His seat and “the books are opened”.
