A Week Without Gossip

The Presence of Gossip In Human Life

Yesterday we discussed being people of "good news" and being mindful of what we point to with our speaking, with our tongue we can bless...or we can curse. It is human nature to talk about others, try to find out what is happening with so and so, whether any problems are going on, whether the person is on drugs, drinking, having bad company etc. This has happened to all of us and some of us indulge in this kind of gossip even today — for entertainment purposes or for whatever reason.

Why is this so important?

Gossip is subtle but deadly. It creeps in quietly, disguised as innocent conversation, and before you know it, friendships fracture, trust erodes, and church unity is threatened. As followers of Christ, we must recognize gossip for what it truly is—a spiritual battle.

The enemy knows that if he can divide believers, he weakens the effectiveness of the church. Gossip is one of his favorite tactics. It might start as a casual conversation about someone else's struggles, decisions, or behaviors, but quickly, it can become a toxic chain of words that spread like wildfire, causing deep wounds and lasting division.

Scripture is clear about the power of our words:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Proverbs 18:21

In fact one of the most pervasive forms of judgment is gossip.

Gossip can be defined as:

• speaking negatively

• about someone who is not present.

What can I do This Week?

 If you say something positive about the person while the person is present, or even not present, because it is positive.... it's not gossip. This week try to get all the way to Sunday without gossiping. Instead say (or post, share, etc.) nothing negative about ANY person(including the ones on the news) if they are not present or especially if they are present. Use your tongue to bless instead...give what you would like to receive and you will be practicing the essence of the Golden Rule and becoming more like Jesus as you do.

It is best to stay focused on the positive aspects of life in every stage of one’s daily routine existence — home, family, friends, office, parties etc. If you do that, and stay away from unnecessary gossip you will find yourself progressing much faster in your inward journey. Keep meditating, stay focused, stay blissed and blessed — you will be doing this automatically if you just stay away from gossip!