Gossip
Gossip defined: Gossip is sharing information about someone else that is not yours to share, especially when it’s harmful or unnecessary, and especially when the person is not present.
Proverbs 8:18 “A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost parts.” See also Rom 1:29, Matt 12:36 and Proverbs 16:28
What Gossip Is Not:
1. Seeking counsel to resolve a conflict Biblically (Matt 18)
2. Processing with a trusted spiritual advisor to pursue healing
3. Reporting abuse or serious sin to the proper authorities
A Better Way: Ephesians 4:29, 31-32
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 hear.
Let ALL bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with ALL malice.
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in /christ forgave you.
#dontspillthetea
1. Identify gossip in your life - When are you most likely to gossip? Do we allow gossip without saying anything to stop it?
2. Use the Ephesians 4:29 filter - is it helpful? Does it build up or tear down?
3. Confront gossip in love - redirect gossip with kindness and love
4. Repent where necessary - Jesus didn’t come to change our words, He came to change our hearts
5. Speak life
