Often we see things in part and assume the rest of the story.  That can be a very dangerous habit to get into.  I was taught to believe nothing of what I see and only half of what I hear.  Perhaps that sounds a bit sceptical for a Christian viewpoint, but let me explain my case.

“Yesterday, I saw Bro. Jim sitting in a bar.  His friends were definitely under the influence and Jim seemed to be having a good time too,” Mabel said.

“I can’t believe that!” Doris argued.  “He would never go such places or hang with those kind of people.”

“I saw him,” Mabel insisted.  “I’m not blind, it was him.  I’m going right to the church leaders and let them know how Bro. Jim has been acting.  He should be disciplined.”

The facts are this:  Bro. Jim was at the bar…to take his drunk neighbor home so he wouldn’t have to drive.  They were laughing and having fun because it’s easier to handle a happy drunk than a mean one. Bro. Jim was lending a helping hand and protecting other drivers.  He should be complimented on his Christian love.

“I just heard Sarah say she wanted to have 10 children.  She already has 3 and one on the way.  Is she nuts?” Louise asked.  “She and Susan were discussing how much it costs to feed that many kids.”

“I can’t believe that,” Grace said.  “I know this is to be there last one.  They told me so.  You must have heard her wrong.”

“What, are you saying ,I can’t hear?” Louise yelled,  “I know what I heard and what I saw.   Sarah and Susan were even picking out baby clothes, several each of the same outfits.”

The facts are this:  Sarah and Susan were planning a birthday party for little brother, Jeff.  They wanted to invite 10 children and were trying to figure what to serve at the party that would fit their budget.  They were buying baby clothes for a friend who was expecting triplets.

What hurt and misunderstanding we can cause when we repeat lies or half truths.  James 3:8 tells us, “But the tongue can no man tame; it is unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”  The power of life or death is in our words.  So, let’s get our facts straight first. Then decide whether it’s worth repeating. And finally, let’s concentrate on words that bring life not death, joy and not anger.”