Gossip!

 
By Barry Scalf, Disney, Oklahoma

Ever notice how gossip about someone grows more colorful as it is passed on from one person to another? Usually, by the time it gets back to the person spoken about, it is totally out of proportion. Gossip destroys character.

"For he that will love Life, and see Good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil . . . let him eschew evil, and do good, let him seek peace, and ensue it." (I Peter 3: 10 - 11)

If we have God’s Spirit we should not be guilty of gossip. Gossip not only hurts the person being talked about, but also the hearer, family, friends and ultimately the entire church in which we are a family.

"If any one among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, But deceiveth his own Heart, this person’s religion is vain." (James 1: 26).

A person who listens to and receives gossip is as guilty as the one who is telling it. It does not make any difference if the words spoken are true or false, it is still a character assault.

Gossip usually starts because of envy, hurt feelings or jealousy. I have seen what Gossip can do to people and families. I have seen it lead to spiritual death, even in the Church. We are all a family, everyone striving to be like Jesus. How can we know the hearts and minds of one another? "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren these things ought not so to be." (James 3:10).

God has given stern warning concerning the tongue:

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" (James 3:5-6).

If we are to be like Jesus, then we should gently rebuke those who come to us with tales to bare. Gossip causes envy and strife, it is confusion and evil work. (See James 3:16.) To ensure peace of mind and happiness in the family of God and among our neighbors, let us use the wisdom and knowledge God has given to each of us and root out this ugly sin from our lives and the family God has brought us into. Remember gossip destroys peace.

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace"( James 3:17-18).

So, let us all talk to one another and not about one another.

Fountain of Life