How does God feel about people who gossip? Ephesians 4:29 says:
And then the following verse says:
The implication is that when "corrupt communication" comes out of a believer's mouth, it causes the Holy Spirit to be grieved.
You see, gossip is a sin that grieves the Holy Spirit. Did you notice that Paul calls it "corrupt communication"? This phrase comes from the Greek word phaulos, which refers to something that stinks or to something that is rotting, such as meat that is full of maggots. This kind of communication is dead, decaying, and it stinks. It is offensive to the Spirit of God and it grieves Him.
Gossip is so destructive and offensive that Paul forbids gossip in Second Corinthians 12:20. In this verse Paul says:
Did you see the word "whisperings"? This is the the Greek word psithurimos, which means gossip! To make sure we know how evil gossip is, Paul lists it side by side with several other horrible attitudes and actions. Gossip is right smack dab in the middle of that list. So what does that tell you about what God thinks of gossip and those who are involved in the act of gossipping?
Let's be sure we understand what the word "gossip" describes. It describes a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts, rumors, or reports of an intimate nature that are none of his business.
For instance, gossip would include:
Talking about other people's business and things that do not concern you.
Repeating what someone else said, even though you don't know whether or not it's true.
Talking to others as if you were an authority about matters that are other people's business, when in reality you don't know what you are taking about.
In a certain sense gossip is like a deadly poison. It hurts people; it kills relationships; and it destroys trust. In the workplace, "gossip" usually happens between two employees who have become friends and feel like they can truly "share"with each other. They are often people who have been offended or hurt by the one who is the subject of their gossip. Therefore, every rumor they hear becomes a "choice morsel" to share with the other offended party. This is what Proverbs 18:8 is talking about when it says:
Gossip is usually based on hearsay; it is usually inaccurate; it creates suspicion; and it divides people. It is so evil that we, the body of believers, should absolutely forbid it in our lives.
It is interesting to note that the Greek word for gossip means to whisper. This means that gossip almost always takes place in secret. Just think about it - where does gossip usually take place? If you have engaged in gossip in the past, you probably listened to someone tell you the information or hearsay about other people, which you then whispered to someone else:
In the women's or men's bathroom at the office.
In your office when the doors were closed and no one was watching or listening.
In the lunch-break room when it was only you and the person to whom you were talking.
In a prayer meeting, where people often whisper about others under the camouflage of "prayer".
In a corner where the boss, director, pastor, or subject of your gossip couldn't hear what you were saying.
Or maybe even right here on MyChurch in private messages to others.
You need to know that gossipers usually attract to each other like magnets. When they get together, they see things alike and therefore begin to think they are right. Thus, they form a little faction right inside the office or church, often concluding that they are doing God's business as they meet together to discuss all the problems going on in other people's lives, even though it isn't their business to discuss or solve these problems or to meddle in other people's affairs.
Since the word gossip really means to whisper, it would be good when you are about to tell something you've heard to first ask yourself: Would I say these things publicly? Would I say this in front of the person I am talking about? If your answer is no, you can conclude that you shouldn't say it privately either.
So I urge you not to allow the devil to snag you and drag you into the sin of gossip. James 3:8 tells us:
But you can refuse to be the source of gossip or to participate in it when it takes place. If you really love Jesus, why would you want to participate in something that will poison people's opinions and ultimately divide and hurt others? Think of it - if it were you whom people were talking about, wouldn't it be hurtful to you to discover that they were talking this way behind your back?
It's too hurtful to get into this business! If you have to whisper it, then you probably shouldn't be saying it at all. In fact, a good rule to live by is this: If you can't say it publicly, don't say it at all! Make that decision today to refrain from gossip and to stay away from those who practice it!
Lord, I admit that I'm guilty of occasionally talking behind other peoples backs, and I'm wrong for doing it. I ask You to please forgive me for allowing the devil to use me in this way. I am asking You to help me keep a tight reign on my tongue and to refrain from gossiping about other people. When I find myself in a situation where the conversation turns to gossip, help me know how to graciously dismiss myself from the conversation so I can avoid participating in this sin and falling back into this trap. I repent for my activity in gossip, and I turn from it in Jesus name!
Questions For You To Consider:
2. Sometimes gossip happens during prayer meetings. Have you ever witnessed a moment when a prayer request turned into a gossip session, and you felt guilty for talking so badly about that person before you prayed for him or her?
3. If you've been involved in gossip, have you sensed the conviction of the Holy Spirit trying to tell you to stop this activity?
In love,
Michael
Note: This message was taken in part from Sparkling Gems From The Greek by Rick Renner
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