One thing Brother Cerullo and I learned long ago, is not to worry about what other people think about us.

We, of course, have been the targets of unmerited gossip and slander occasionally over the years. At times these things hurt us tremendously, but we have learned to keep our eyes on the Lord.

Tonight, you may be agonizing over what someone has said about you, or worried about what people will say. You may even feel like someone is trying to kill you with words.

With all my heart I want to tell you to stop worrying. It isn't worth it. All the worrying in the world will not stop people's tongues. Only God can tame the tongue. Only He can vindicate you.

Whatever you do, do not fear those who speak against you. Remember, Psalm 31, verse 20 says the Lord "...shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues."

If you have become the victim of gossip, or suspect someone is talking behind your back, know that Your Heavenly Father hears it too. Decide tonight that you're going to look to Him, and trust Him to deal with it while you concentrate on being fully pleasing to Him.

Let God be the only One you ever fear. Remember, His is the only opinion that counts in the end!

Heavenly Father, I ask You to apply the balm of Your Holy Spirit to heal the hurts that have been caused by people's tongues. Right now I forgive anyone who has spoken against me, and ask You to forgive them too. Teach me not to fear the opinions of men, but to look only to You as my Righteous Judge, my Redeemer and my Hope! In Jesus' Name, Amen.