Quote of the Week, The Ethics of Speaking about Others, by John Wesley, 18th Century

“Speak evil of no man, says the great apostle; as plain a command as Thou shalt do no murder. But who even among Christians regards this command?”

—John Wesley (1703–1791), The Cure of Evil-Speaking (1760).

Source: John Wesley, “The Cure of Evil-Speaking,” Sermon 49, in The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, vol. 4 (Bristol: William Pine, 1771), sermon 49, sec. 1, para. 1.

Reflection: Before I repeat something negative about another person, do I consider whether my words are necessary, helpful, and consistent with the Christian responsibility to love my neighbor?