Practical Strategies for Responding Biblically to Gossip, Criticism, and Negative Words Communication expert Michael Sedler gives readers practical strategies for identifying, counteracting, and responding graciously to gossip, criticism, and negative words. He shows readers how to · positively handle negative language · reconcile with those who have spoken harm to you · build others up by speaking life-giving words, even when you don't want to Our words can profoundly hurt—or heal. All of us can learn to build one another up—and stop words that hurt.