Unspreading Butter!

Have you ever squeezed too much toothpaste out of the tube? Have you ever tried to put it back in? Perhaps you wouldn't even consider trying.

Have you ever tried to unspread butter from a piece of bread? "Ridiculous", you say? Attempting to do so would most like merely tear up the bread and still not get all of the butter off of it.

Would these two scenarios seem to suggest there are some things that can't be undone; at least not fully? Someone has stated, "A rumor is about as hard to unspread as butter."

Once a rumor has begun it is nearly impossible to stop. Even as one tries to clear it up, is it possible to find every ear upon which the rumor has fallen? Besides this difficulty there are also many who, once they have heard the rumor, don't seem to accept the clarification of facts.

Solomon stated. . .
"(28) A dishonest man spreads strife, and A WHISPERER SEPARATES CLOSE FRIENDS." ( Proverbs 16:28 ESV)

. . . And . . .

"(9) Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but HE WHO REPEATS A MATTER SEPARATES CLOSE FRIENDS." ( Proverbs 17:9 ESV)

This points to the need of being very CAREFUL WHAT WE PASS ON, even if we think it may be true. Gossip and rumors divide and hurt and have even destroyed lives. Information we pass on may do irreparable damage.

David wrote. . .
"(1) O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? (2) He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; (3) who DOES NOT SLANDER with his tongue and DOES NO EVIL TO HIS NEIGHBOR, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;" ( Psalm 15:1-3 ESV)

Even if the information is true, what benefit is it to pass it on? What help is it to anyone involved? We must consider this. What we ought to do -- if we feel we must speak -- is stop and pray for the individual to whom the information might relate. Such action helps our focus remain on what may bring benefit rather than harm.

Have a great day NOT NEEDING TO UNSPREAD ANYTHING!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 05/13/1999 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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