Prove Yourself Worthy - BE TRUSTWORTHY BY KEEPING A CONFIDENCE

We love our brothers and sisters, and we are interested in their well-being.  However, we must be balanced and respect their privacy.  Some in the first-century Christian congregation were "gossipers and meddlers in other people's affairs, talking about things they should not." (1 Timothy 5:13) We certainly do not want to be like them. But suppose someone shares with us personal information with the understanding that it is not to be repeated.  For instance, a sister might tell us about a health problem she is experiencing or some other trial she is facing, asking us to keep the matter to ourselves.  We should respect her wishes. (Read Proverbs 11:13.) Now let us consider a number of other situations in which it is important to keep a confidence.

In the family. Each member of the family  has a responsibility to keep sensitive, family matters private.  For example, a Christian woman may have a habit that her husband finds amusing. Would he talk about it to others and thus cause her embarrassment? Of course not! He loves his wife and would never do anything to hurt her.  (Ephesians 5:33) Teenagers want to be treated  with a measure of respect.  Parents do well to recognize this.  They would not humiliate her by revealing their mistakes to others. (Colossians3:21)  Children need to learn to be discreet, not disclosing information to outsiders that could embarrass othe members of the family. (Deuteronomy5:16) When each family member does he part to keep personal matters private, the family bond is strengthened. 

Next time: Prove Yourself Trustworthy - BE TRUSTWORTHY BY KEEPING A CONFIDENCE- Conclusion

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