A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (Proverbs 16:28 NLT)
The practice of gossip is extremely destructive to our growth in living with God in recovery. Not only does gossip breed discouragement among the people being talked about, but it also keeps us from examining our own life as we should. Instead of taking inventory of our own life, we focus on the lives of others.
As Christians we are encouraged to remove the character defects from our own lives before we even look at anyone else or listen to gossip about them. If we don't, our gossiping lifestyle will cause us to shrink away from our own recovery while also discouraging others.
As Christians we are encouraged to remove the character defects from our own lives before we even look at anyone else or listen to gossip about them. If we don't, our gossiping lifestyle will cause us to shrink away from our own recovery while also discouraging others.
A simple description of gossip is that it is anything we would say behind a person's back that we would not say if they were present in the conversation. We all say we dislike gossip, yet so often when we are offered an opportunity to hear or speak it, many of us find it almost impossible to resist. From God's perspective, even listening to gossip is as bad as speaking it. Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord. Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander. (Leviticus 19:16, Proverbs 17:4 NLT)
How do I find myself engaging in gossip? Do I spread rumors or speculate about why someone did something? Would others say I am a busybody, a blabbermouth or a meddler? Am I known as someone who makes statements that injure the well-being or reputation of another? How many of my words could pass the 3-question test for wise speech? Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
The God who loves us and wants a good life for us hates gossip. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride. (Psalm 101:5 NLT) It would be wise to consider how God might respond to us if we continue to engage in gossip. It would be even better to persistently seek to live in a way that pleases God in everything we think and say.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
(Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT)
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