“Love Handles”
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.   Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2

I. Love them enough to bring up the problem personally and privately.

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confess it, you have won that person back.  Matthew 18:15 NLT

II. Love them enough to get help.

But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. Matthew 18:16 NLT

III. Love them enough to broaden the circle of intervention.

If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.  Matthew 18:17 NLT


What is Gossip?
Sharing information that causes pain is called Gossip. 
Sharing information that heals pain is called Ministry.



How do I know if it’s Gossip?
You can know it’s gossip if you haven’t spoken to the person who caused the problem.
You can know it’s gossip if the person you are talking to is not related to the problem.
You can know it’s gossip if you can’t give names and only speak in vague generalities.
You can know it’s gossip if you are making judgments about another person?


Fact: If someone Gossips TO YOU, They will also Gossip ABOUT YOU.

What do I do if someone gossips to me?
Stop Them Abruptly – Confront Them Lovingly – Take Them To The Person.

Why do people Gossip? Low Self Esteem – Pride – Fear.

You will never be Free from Gossip until you are willing to risk losing a friend who gossips.

IV. Love them enough to never give up on them.

18“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.  19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.  20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:18-20 NLT