The practice of gossip is extremely destructive to our growth in living with God in recovery. What is gossip? It is anything we would say behind a person's back that we would not say if they were present in the conversation.
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (Proverbs 16:28 NLT)
Gossip isolates and discourages the people being talked about. When we gossip about others it hinders us from examining our own life as we should. Instead of taking pertinent inventory of our own lives, we tend to focus more on the lives of others. 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 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)
To live well in recovery, it’s important to remove our own character defects before we even look at, or gossip about others. If we don't abide by this rule, our gossiping lifestyle will cause us to shrink away from our own recovery while also discouraging those we gossip with and about.
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? 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)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m grateful you don’t share the ugly story of my sinful brokenness with others. Help me to honour others as you honour me. Help me to rid myself of the habit of gossiping. Amen
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