Almost everyone says they hate gossip and yet many of us are easily drawn into conversations that are unkind. How can we be a person who stops gossip rather than one who contributes to its spread?
But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. (Colossians 3:8 NLT, Proverbs 26:20 NIV)
We need to decide that we won't participate in a conversation about a person who is absent, when the words that are being said about that person would be painful for them to hear if they were present. We can end gossip by simply not passing on any of the words and rumors we have heard. If the conversation around us moves towards gossip, we can change the subject and talk about something else -- anything else that is positive.
We can make a point to counteract negative things said about an absent person by speaking positive things that we have observed in them. We can encourage a gossiper to speak to the person they are gossiping about if it might help the situation. It may help the gossiper to consider what they are saying if we simply suggest, "I don't feel comfortable talking this way about this person."
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers. Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. (Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 22:10 NIV)
We need to ask ourselves: “When do I find myself engaging in gossip? How many of my words would pass the 3-question test for wise speech? 1) Is it true? 2) Is it kind? 3) Is it necessary?” It may be helpful to remember that those who gossip to us will definitely gossip about us. Let’s make every effort to stop gossip today.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask Your forgiveness for the times I have found fault with others and gossiped about them. I am grateful for the compassion and mercy You showed to me when my own character defects were revealed. Help me to encourage others rather than judge and gossip about them. Amen
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