The Power of the Tongue: Gossiping ~

     “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” Proverbs 16:28

     Gossiping is a sin all too common amongst family and friends. Why is it so prevalent? Often it seems harmless, particularly when you’re unaware of the consequences and wounds it is causing the hearer and those spoken of. Sometimes less visible is the effect it has on the one spreading it. Self-deception and self-righteousness create blindness and excuses for sin. But don’t be fooled, gossip never benefits anyone, not the speaker, hearer, or person(s) being spoken of; in fact, it destroys all.

     Gossip is usually spread to taint others’ opinions of someone, to puff oneself up, to get back at others, or spoken out of jealousy, envy, or covetousness, and it is often compounded with rude or rash assumptions. When you partake in gossip you demonstrate a lack of respect for others, their feelings and privacy.

     The Bible shares about the power of the tongue; it holds the power of life or death. Christians, we want the words we speak to be life giving. We want to be people of integrity; people whose actions and words are consistent. We want to give people the benefit of the doubt before jumping to conclusions. We want to treat others as we desire them to treat us.

     Consider the impact gossip (or not gossiping) has on your walk with the Lord and your reflection of Him to others. You want to be someone others can trust! The road to purity of speech is not easy; conviction and rebuke can sting, but it shows a sensitivity to what the Spirit is trying to address. Purging gossip also requires humility, whether through apologies or finding accountability. At times you will fail, but in those times, dust yourself off, apologize, and commit to doing better next time. God’s mercies are new every morning!

     This topic may be uncomfortable to some, but needed change isn’t always going to feel good. At times it takes much effort to let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Christ’s sight.

God bless you! <3

Tera