5 Things The Believer Should Know About Gossip ( series 1)

Gossip is confidential or carefree discussions or stories of other individuals that usually contain unsubstantiated or unverified information.

As a matter of fact, Gossip according to certain beliefs, if it is true then it is not gossip. 

However, in situations where sharing information is necessary, the appropriate authority is usually one or two people, otherwise it is rumour

The article below highlights 5 things believers should know about Gossip

Lessons To Learn From Gossip

1). Gossip Is Divisive

Gossip betrays trust and once betrayed, it is seldom easy to rebuild. 

Consequently, when we Gossip our friendship never remains the same.

Whenever Gossip is expressed, it always shatters trust, strains relationships, and causes grief that persists for a long time.

For this reason, the Bible tells us to warn people who Gossip twice and then avoid them (Titus 3:10). 

Someone who gossips to you will gossip about you, and gossip separates friendships (Proverbs 16:28).

Above all, let us respect our relationships and avoid falling into an infectious Gossip trap.

The words of a talebearer are like wounds, cut off the talebearer and the wounds heal – Apst Edu Udechukwu 

2. Gossip is Poisonous

Gossip is as poisonous as the venom of an adder, its sting leaves an indelible mark.

Have you ever heard a believer speak untruth or half truth with the same voice they use to praise Jesus?

Be it as it may, the image becomes tarnished as their Gossip poisons the reputation of the one they are gossiping about. 

As a matter of fact, this is a shade on the light of Jesus that is supposed to shine from within us.

After all, the Bible describes the human tongue as evil and full of deadly poison and warns about the dangers of using it without wisdom.

Furthermore, this involves speaking poorly of someone and this tarnishes their reputation and image. 

In fact, it presents the gossiper in a negative light. It is a call to believers to exercise discretion when speaking.

3. Gossip Is Foolish

Gossip sometimes makes the believer appear foolish even if he is wise.

On the positive side, believers should never find it hard to say no to a conversation in which rumours are shared.

And yet they are drawn to it just like a bee is drawn to a honeycomb even  after being aware of its consequences.

Likewise, others are unaware of how much harm their words have caused.

On the contrary, Matthew 12:36, warns against Gossip because our words will be held accountable.

Judgment is applied equally to gossip about other people! 

“Remind the people to submit to authorities and rulers, to be obedient, to be prepared to do what is right.

To be peaceful and considerate, and to always be gentle towards everyone.” 

Lastly, let us make the decision to speak with knowledge and refrain from meaningless Gossip. 

May our words convey the wisdom of the Lord rather than the foolishness of a fool (Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 10:18-21).

4. Gossip is Not in God’s Plan For You

God did not make people so that they may be social critics, Gossip and expose each other’s flaws. 

For this reason, God has provided in His Body individuals whose job is to judge certain inconsistencies in it.

Another key point is the fact that the Bible gives us several instructions to love our brothers.

To love one another, and treat others the way we want to be treated and not Gossip them.

Families protect and nurture one another, so the brotherhood is the only family a believer turns to.

Furthermore, God calls us to build each other up and encourage each other. 

Rather than pulling down our brothers by spreading rumours (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

5) Gossip Is A Proof Of Immaturity 

Although spreading rumour can be enticing, it only serves to harm people, including ourselves. 

For one thing, God has not designed a plan for us that is full of lies and Gossip.

By all means, let us refrain from rumours just as we would not in heaven.

Certainly, this is an obvious indication of immaturity and the incapacity to control one’s tongue.

In like manner, failure to recognise that, under no circumstances should information given in close confidence be shared.

Additionally, rumours about something you desire is foolish, and you will undoubtedly lose access to it once you do.

For instance, no believer who genuinely intercede on behalf of you  ever spreads rumours about you. 

Again, if a believer Gossip about you, it is an obvious indication that the person is not an intercessor.

Lastly, keep in mind that whenever a conversation deviates to a subject involving other people.

You should ask yourself, “Is this story true? How do I know?” “Is this story mine to tell? “Is this story bad news?”

We are attracted to evil because of evil already inside of us (Proverbs 17:4, Matthew 15:18–19).

Conclusion

Consequently, it divides, proves how foolish your actions are and is anti-God’s nature.

Again, the crucial questions to have in the back of your mind when discussing someone who isn’t there.

Especially one in your brotherhood as a believer are the ones pertaining to motivation and intent: 

“Why am I saying this?” “Are these words loving toward the person I’m talking to?” 

“Are these words loving toward the person we’re talking about?”

Lastly, you will need to prayerfully go back over them, or even ask a wise friend to help you conduct an analysis of a previous conversation.

May God help us to speak words seasoned with grace, that edifies and blesses as well. IJN

Read my article on the The Be-Atitudes: A Timeless Path To Spiritual Growth

References

The Bible 

Apostle Edu Udechukwu

Christianity.com