I recently came across this interpretation of a Bible verse, which shed new light on some familiar words: “A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!” (James 3:5, Eugene Peterson, The Message).

This verse became especially meaningful to me when I realized gossip had been slipping into my daily interactions with coworkers, friends, and family. I began to pray in earnest to let go of the temptation to gossip and to be led to better conversations. 

I had learned through my study of Christian Science that each of us is a child of God, and as God’s children, we express His qualities. This was a good starting point. We are created to express only qualities such as love, goodness, and honesty.