Gossip II

*This post is a continuation from the first Deep Dive on Gossip. 

Gossip is an enticing temptation for all of us. We love to gossip. We like to hear about others and also talk about others.

Gossip is about sharing information about the behavior and personal lives of other people, information about the lives of famous people. It is a derogatory information about someone that we have that is shared with others in a tone of confidentiality, that is not motivated by doing good to them, and that we are enjoying in a way that shows our heart is not humble.

All of us love to talk about the personal lives of our family members, church members, friends, colleagues, bosses and all with malicious intentions.

The book of Proverbs warns us of the deadly gossip and its effects. Proverbs 18:8 says, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts."

Whether we admit it or not, we have a fascination with gossip. Proverbs says gossip is like a tasty morsel that we like to savor. 

Gossip is like an all you can eat buffet with a desert bar. We can't get enough of it.When we listen to gossip, it goes to our "inmost parts." Gossip sinks into our hearts, souls, and minds and corrupts us like a fast-spreading cancer.

The Bible links gossip and slander together as sister sins (Romans 1:29-30). Slander means "to speak evil of someone." When we gossip, we speak evil about people; we badmouth them.

Scripture also describes people who gossip and slander people as "backbiters" (Romans 1:30). When we badmouth someone with gossip, we bite them behind their backs, whether the gossip is true or not.

In Luke 6:45 Jesus tells us, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Jesus tells us that our words reveal what is in our hearts. Gossip comes from a heart full of evil. Insults come from a heart full of evil. Criticism comes from a heart full of evil. When we allow our sinful natures to control our hearts, evil fills our souls, and evil spews out of mouths.

It is a negative spirit that is more bent on hurting than helping. Gossip is not something that is really redemptive. At times we can deceive ourselves into thinking we are doing good by chattering away about somebody and saying, "Well, no, let's pray for that." And they really are getting pleasure out of sharing the negative news.

How to overcome the habit of gossiping?

1. Don't listen to gossip. Proverbs 20:19 tells us, "A gossip betrays confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much." Did you hear that verse? Don't listen to gossipers and their gossip. God's word says, avoid the gossiper. When someone begins to gossip to you, tell them plainly, "I don't want to hear any gossip."
2. Confront gossipers. If someone gossips about you, Jesus tells us how to confront them in Matthew 18:15-17. First, speak to the person one-on-one. If that doesn't work, bring a couple of spiritually mature Christian friends with you to confront them. We must confront people with the right facts and the right spirit. Ephesians 4:15 tells us, "Speak the truth in love."
3. Watch your tongue carefully. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Watch your tongue. If your words tear people down rather than building them up, keep quiet.
   
   Let us avoid gossiping about others. May God give us wisdom and insight not to gossip, slander and backbite about others.