gossip

DEAR GOD: What Is Gossiping?

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19 ways to accidentally make everyone think you’re pregnant – SheKnows

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)

 Gossip is usually always behind the victim’s back. By definition, gossip occurs only when the subject of the story is not present. It’s easier and more interesting that way when others aren’t there to “defend” themselves. And when people gossip, they usually lower their voices, look around to see if anyone is within ear shot, and then let it rip forth- “Psst-I know something you don’t know!” You know its gossip if you wouldn’t be saying it if the person that you’re speaking about was present. At least a good majority of times that is the case.
Gossip is clandestine, hidden, furtive, stealthy, sly (Proverbs 25:23; Psalm 101:4–5). In other words – it’s sneaky and underhanded and gutless!
There are frilly “so called innocent gossipers. Then there are those who are intent on destroying someone out of a warp sense of revenge. Mean vicious gossip bent on revenge is birthed in malice and threatens to sink whole fellowships (2 Corinthians 12:19–13:2; 3 John 9–10). This my friend is the kind of gossip that is a gazillion times worse than being a busybody, who is too interested in other peoples’ business (2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Peter 4:15). Yet Jesus said that we will give an account for every careless word we have spoken (Matthew 12:36), not just for the malicious ones.

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.”

*Definitions according to online google.
Gossip –
(Noun) -Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true: “He became the subject of much local gossip.”
Gossip
(Verb)Engage in gossip: “They would start gossiping about her as soon as she left.”
Slander
 (Noun) – The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation.  “He is suing his neighbor for slander.”

DEAR GOD: How Do We Handle Snapping People?

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How To Stop Gossiping About People: 7 No Nonsense Tips!

Ephesians 4:29“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

I saw a snapping turtle on the road while driving through the woods. My husband and I smiled at the huge fellow!  This ancient reptile turned to look at us and snapped in the air, as if to say, “get moving there if you know what’s good for you all.”  Well, needless to say we respect nature and wildlife, and we were on our way in seconds. “Snap.”  It reminded me of some individuals I’ve encountered in my lifetime.

You may know some of these mortals yourselves. The type that loves to “snip” and “snap” about others. Or are apt to “snap “at someone with a veracity that can only be described as “vicious.” Just downright mean! Mindless cruel gossiping is how I’d describe it.

As children of God…How do we handle these situations? How do we handle mortals with such an immoral standard of ethics? What do we do? What does God want us to do?

Well, God wants us to gently guide and admonish in a way that is constructive, without being critically impertinent. We are to be humble about it. Think fairly and go to the Word for advice, and where you will always find “sage wisdom” and full written out instructions.

Humility –Along with humility correct Biblical knowledge must ensue. We need to admonish others based solely on God’s Word. Encourage one another based on God’s Word. If something is said without Biblical truths, it will be worthless. An exercise in fertility.  Because when we know the Word, if someone tries to say or do something that is not aligned with His Word, standards, or truths; we will automatically know it’s “wrong.”

2 Tim 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it…

Patience- is an important virtue of the Spirit. We need to instruct others with respect and a manner of peace. No fighting, nor divisions. It is impossible to teach while convincing anyone of mistakes. They won’t know any better and thing that the dialogue they’re using, and the “snapping” they’re doing in natural in their minds eye.

Also do be mindful and overly cautious about not having an “ego” and using it in a way that is bragging about “how much you know” and “how little” they know!

Approach in meekness and endurance of a Christian on a mission. Not an ego stating loudly, “I’m better than you!”

Ephesians 4:2-3 “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”

It bears mentioned here that we shouldn’t force anyone to “believe” or to do as “we say.”  It is not about us. It’s about God and His mission, His reasons for using us as His servants. We can only gently guide through the Spirit and pave the way. It’s not our job to mold the individual, that is up to God. He is the potter; we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8)

Respecting others and having an appropriate demeanor when addressing an issue, especially a nasty tongue or a gossiping intruder that speaks of controversial subjects.  It is important to come from an area of repose and respect and honor in the LORD’s name. But if after a time the individual is not responsive, then it’s wise to take leave and move on.

Titus 3:9- But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (10) Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. (11) You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Based on all this. We understand that a good friend, or Christian admonishes and helps to adjust Christ’s body. We hope to lead them to understand that if they only would align themselves with the Word and God’s will, life could be very different.  This can only be done with love, humility peace, meekness, and a vast amount of Biblical wisdom.

Proverbs 15:31-33- Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. (32) Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. (33) Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Whatever we do we must adhere to a manner in which we assume Christ’s position and commandments. We are human and of course we will all fall short, no one is perfect. Only ONE is perfect, and that is our Heavenly Father who is pure and Holy.

 Matthew 5:48-Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

We can try our best, help to shine His light where we can. And apply corrective measures in a way that can at times, be uncomfortable, but when it is done in the spirit and in a manner of Biblical standards, it will be easier to uphold.

Father, God – I thank You for Your Word, Your truth, and Your guidance, may I follow all that You purpose for my life, now and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.