To Gossip, Or NOT To Gossip

There’s one thing that bothers me more than anything... That infuriates me, will even cause me to avoid and/or unfriend someone...GOSSIP! I don’t care if it's something true or not...If there is no reason, and it's irrelevant, or it's non of anyone's business- Then there’s no reason to mention it!

The truth is- GOSSIP HURTS! No one likes to be the one who is being talked about..It’s NOT nice, it’s so unattractive!! So why do we allow it to come out of our mouths? It says Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. (Luke 6:45)

In other words, if you’re heart is full of bitterness, envy, and jealousy... More than likely, you’re going to gossip. Yes, it’s THAT ugly, the truth isn’t pretty!

And it's unfortunate that gossip is accepted among many, even Christians! People find it enjoyable, considered “girl time,” and that's just sad!

What are we teaching our kids, that it's ok to talk about others behind their backs? To find enjoyment in talking about others whether it be truthful or not? Most people don't even realize they do this, they are so used to it, it's a habit to “catch up on the gossip” when they call or get together with a friend or a family member.

But more importantly, God hates gossip! Yes, it’s true. There are verses after verses confirming it, it literally hurts Him to see His children tearing one another down. I know as a mother, it hurts me when my kids talk ugly about one another. So imagine how much more it hurts our Father.

• There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19
• Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Psalms 34:13
• Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 1 Timothy 5:13
• You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. Exodus 23:1

This is what I love about the word of God, it talks to us about any and all situations. His word is a guide, a road map per-se...It leads us, that is, if we choose to follow!

So when I looked up “gossip,” to see what the Lord says about it.. It not only tells us that He hates it, that it's evil, malicious and foolish.. But He graciously guides us, teaching us how to avoid it, and how to overcome it.

First we must make the choice to no longer gossip.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

See we are supposed to be doing the opposite, talking about the things that are praise-worthy, commendable, and pure!

Example: We can talk about good news, about someone who had a baby, got a job promotion, bought a new car, lost weight, or maybe got engaged...Or we can tell an interesting or humorous story about someone who is not present, as long as the person involved would not object, if he or she knew we told it.

Second, we are told “not to associate with gossipers.”

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. Proverbs 20:19

Don't even associate with them! Slander alienates friends, and promotes strife, and contention. Why would we want to take part in that? But most importantly, because God says we’re not to take part in it! And that’s reason enough for me!

Backbiters are worthy of death and so are people who approve of others who practice it. Romans 1:30,32

Lastly, if someone gossips about you, we are told to forgive, and treat them with love and kindness, regardless of how they treat you!

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31

In all things, love is always the right choice.

I'm your Mrs International, reminding you- TO CHOOSE LOVE,

Priscilla