Psalm 31:18
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Gossip is ugly. Gossip can be inhumane and cruel. And most importantly – God frowns upon gossip. You might say, He abominates it with a passion.
Talking about someone or sharing in with a group of naysayers speaking boldly and harshly about someone is just downright wrong on so many levels. It can have devastating repercussions on the person that is being gossiped about. And again, it can wreak lots of harm on your status with God – and it may even start to unravel a piece of your heart and soul if you continue to do so.
There are so many types of gossip. There those who can’t wait to share to others about something they “know” exclusively about, “said individual.” It can be a minor account of what the person said. However, most times it turns out to be a long story and then others join in, and before you know it- it’s become a feeding frenzy on who knows more and what the person did and has done. Not good!
There are extenuating circumstances that can happen. Where someone thinks that another should be “warned” about an individual – due to some extreme outrageous behavioral issue – and is trying to basically give a warning of sorts. And the warning is in truth and good faith. That’s not gossiping.
The Bible teaches that gossip is a sin that can harm others and consequently, us as well. Gossip is speaking or listening to words about others, be it false or negative. The Bible does warn us against gossip because it can create strife, separation of friends. It can cause quarreling, keep people in trouble, lead to ungodliness, and cause much bitterness and anger. The Bible advises us to avoid spreading rumors, lying, and slander – but instead to speak in truth and in love!
The Bible labels gossips as untrustworthy and meddlesome (Proverbs 11:13; 20:19; 26:20; 1 Timothy 5:13) — and even as worthy of death (Romans 1:29, 32) So being One body in Christ, you don’t want to be among the gossipers, or in a group of such.
The book of Proverbs suggests gossip is like “delicious morsels,” a tasty treat that promises delight to those who indulge (Proverbs 18:8; 26:22).
I see gossip as the polar opposite of the Gospel. Why? Well simple really. We know that gossip is bad – whereas we know the Gospel is good. One could be lies – the other only truth.
And if the story is false – you may not just be gossiping you’re slandering someone and undermining and disparaging their reputation. Slander is a very wicked thing. (Leviticus 19:16; Psalm 15:3; Proverbs 19:5)
The Gospel and doctrine of Christ offers pure and fulfilling promises and peace. It is my overall clothing of choice (Ephesians 6 – Gospel Armor) all the days of my life. Whereas gossip is grossly inadequate and has nothing to offer but a dark cloud of suffocation to those who choose to engage in its nastiness (2 Peter 1:3–4).
The Gospel provides all the resources you need to regularly resist Gossip in real time (1 Corinthians 10:13)- God protects you and what you are experiencing isn’t uncommon and has happened to others. God provides a way to escape and will always show you a way out.
Eventually the temptations to gossip and be at the circle of such back biting vapid nonsense will ease off. There is a battle going on daily in our lives. Spiritual verses the flesh. We need to walk in the spirit and light, and in time – even the most delectable morsel of gossip you may want to share will drop away.
As you trust in God’s love and His grace – you will be strong through Christ to walk away and turn your back on gossiping for good!
“Father may I be a vessel for Your purpose and not be apprehended or tempted by gossip, whether listening or adding to it, may I be strong through Christ, and provide encouragement and inspiration and bring You all the glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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