STOPPING GOSSIP

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 another person when the words that are being said would be painful for that person 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 counter negative things said about a person by expressing positive things about them.  We can encourage a gossiper to speak to the person they are gossiping about if it would help the situation.  Sometimes if we simply suggest, "I don't feel comfortable talking about this person this way" it may help the gossiper to consider what they are saying. 

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 gossip about us.  Let’s make every effort to stop gossiping 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