Stopping Gossip In Its Tracks

Almost everyone says they hate gossip and yet many of us are easily drawn into conversations about others that are unkind.  How can we be a person who stops gossip rather than one who contributes to its spread?  We agree with God that the time to deal with gossip is now.  We decide that we won't participate in a conversation about a person when the words that are being said would be painful for that person to hear if they were present. 

If the conversation we are participating in moves towards gossip, we can change the subject and talk about something else – anything else that will not harm another. With the purpose of resolving whatever problem the gossiper has, we can encourage them to speak with the person they are gossiping about.  Sometimes if we simply suggest, "I don't feel comfortable talking about this person in this way” it may help the gossiper to consider what they are saying.  We may end gossip by simply not passing on any of the negative words and rumors we have heard. 

Without wood, a fire goes out. Without gossip, arguments stop. (Proverbs 26:20 ERV)

Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.  (Proverbs 22:10 NIV) 

The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. (Proverbs 10:21 NLT)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, When I encounter gossip, I ask that You give me the courage to purposefully stop the cycle.  Please help me to build positive practices into my life that will support others rather than tear them down.  Amen