Steven Furtick’s recent blog about the ministry of gossip—“I Don’t Want To Hear It”—got me thinking about gossip. . .
The Bible says:
a gossip betrays a confidence – Proverbs 11:13
a gossip separates close friends – Proverbs 16:28
Why is something so clearly condemned in the Bible so accepted in church?
My quick thoughts about gossip:
– Gossip is not unique to your culture, generation, gender, educational level, social status—it strikes everywhere.
– Don’t believe everything you hear.
– If you are a gossip, don’t believe everything you say.
– Unfortunately most of us are experts at rationalizing our gossip. Some of my favs:
“I only tell my closest friends.”
“I only tell my prayer partners.”
“I thought he/she already knew.”
“I think he/she deserves to know.”
“Don’t worry, he/she will not tell anyone.”
May God help us tame our tongues so we will not betray a confidence or destroy a friendship.