Criticism and gossip are wrecking balls - they can destroy in moments what took months to build. It is easy to criticize, gossip, and judge. It doesn't take a lot of brains to find fault and talk as if you know the entire story. The Pharisees even found fault in Jesus where none existed.

Let's remember that "in the quiet heart is hidden, sorrow that the eye can't see." Make sure you are giving people the benefit of the doubt. There is always another side to the story. We don't see all the pain, the personal struggles, or the past hurts of others. If we could all somehow comprehend each other's pasts, difficulties, worries, stresses, and problems, I'm sure we'd be much more understanding and sensitive in our interactions.