Carl and Sam were at odds with each other. They could not even remember the initial cause of friction...but their hostility had festered through the years. Pastor Fred was deeply concerned, so he prayed that God would use him as a peacemaker. Pastor Fred called on Carl. "What do you think of Sam?" he asked."He's the sorriest guy in town!" Carl growled" But," Pastor Fred replied, "you have to admit that he's a hard-working man." No one can deny that," said Carl. "I've never known a person who worked harder. Pastor Fred visited Sam. "Do you know what Carl said about you?" No, but I can imagine his lies," Sam responded angrily. "This may surprise you," said Pastor Fred, "but he said he's never known a harder worker." "He said that?" Sam was stunned. "By the way, what do you think of Carl?" Pastor Fred asked Sam. It is no secret that I have absolutely no use for him." Sam replied slowly." But you must admit he's honest in business," said Pastor Fred. "There's no getting around that," said Sam grudgingly. "In business he's a man you can trust." The next day Pastor Fred met Carl again. "Do you know what Sam said about you? He claims you're absolutely trustworthy in business, that you are scrupulously honest." "Well, how 'bout that," reacted Carl with a smile. Soon the gossipy Pastor noticed Sam and Carl would cautiously nod to each other in a friendly sort of way. Before long they were shaking hands, talking, even visiting in each other's homes. Today they are best of friends. Many people, even church folk, seem to delight in promoting a fight by carrying news of ill-will. Learn a lesson from Pastor Fred's tactic of positive-gossip. Let your *gossip* be to spread words of praise and healing. THAT's the only gossip that's worthy of a Christian.