No Gossip Zone

More recently it was necessary to address a situation concerning gossip.  Many people, even Christians, do not feel that sharing true information about others is actually gossiping.  However, any information shared about another individual that does not involve the person sharing the news could be considered as gossip.  Some slanderous news about others can even be shared as prayer requests and can even be shared as someone who is just very concerned, which is why they are telling others.

Too often, information is shared about others that is destructive and defaming in nature.  This can happen intentionally and even unintentionally.  Those who are not part of the problem or the solution should allow those who are involved to work matters out in a way that honors Christ.  At times it may be necessary to talk to a pastor about the direction a matter should be handled.  Our job is not to go out of our way to inform others about situations that we have no business talking about since it does not involve us. 

Scripture cautions us to avoid “meddlers” who like to complicate and destroy life (Proverbs 26:17, “Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.”)

Take the time to read and pray some of Scripture’s admonitions to us:

·      1 Thesselonians 4:11, “And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,”

·      Proverbs 26:20, “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”

·      Jeremiah 17:10, ““I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

·      Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

·      Psalm 141:3, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!”

·      Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

·      Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”