Gossip

[hmh]

Gossip has no purpose other than to spread lies and/or rumors about someone else to hurt them. Bascially, sin.

[refugepsa91]

Whatever you say about someone make sure its something you would say to their face...not just behind their backs.

I strive to never say anything about anyone unless I could say it to their face...mostly it has worked very well for me....I have in my life said things to people I probably shouldn't have...but thats another thread

Love and Blessings,

Angel

[Work in Progress]

Excellent answers here. I especially agree with those from Pastoreric, Catsmeow & Yomo.

Gossip is the last "acceptable" sin. It's just so fun and so easy to rationalize with "just letting you know...." or "so that you can pray adequately" . Often, we deny to ourselves that it is fun, but it is serving our basic human desire of "being in the know" and "knowing the dirt". It makes us feel better about ourselves, when we point out the faults of another person.

Scripture is crystal clear that, when you have a problem with someone, you go to that person in private. You don't talk about it or complain to anyone else. Again, that always carries a bit of that haughty attitude within us - "just look what that person is like!" It takes the focus off of our own sin, when we can look at another's sin. It's the old "plank and splinter" thing.

Scripture is also clear ( and very condemning) about "murmering" and "murmerers".

While sometimes it is beneficial to confide in a trusted friend, almost never does something good come out of discussing someone to someone else. And it's cowardly. It's easier to complain to someone else, than it is to confront the person you have the problem with.

There is a falacy that the definition of "gossip" is something that is untrue. That is false. That is "bearing false witness". Gossip is discussing another person in anything but an edifying way. Often it goes like - "I heard so and so left her husband. Is that true? What's going on - I want to be able to pray adequately", lol. If you heard that so and so has left her husband, start lifting them up in prayer, no reason to discuss it with someone else. (other than "knowing the dirt", lol) Sometimes it's just a short, simple sentence like - "Well, you know how lazy and disorganized she is, what did you expect?" Scripture says if it's not edifying, don't say it. Easier said then done though, isn't it?

[Gerioke]

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

God spoke the universe into existance. There is power in the spoken word and that is why scripture is so adamant about the wise man keeping his mouth shut.

[hmh]

The tongue is sharper than a two-edged sword. Is there any wonder why God spoke those words? Physical wounds can heal, but mental wounds produced by words sometimes never heal.

[irishcowboy]

Gossip comes in several forms,

one can also be disguised as a prayer request. rather then just saying some one needs prayer for this that and other, or just they are in need of being lifted up, they tend to carry on about how this person came tobe in the situation to need the prayer.

some peoplething that gossip is things that are not true, that is only partially correct, gossip can also be 100% true, as was said before thou, it would depend on teh heart of the person speaking it.

as a Christian, if some one shares something with me at the alters, or in everyday conversaion, it stays with me,

there are times I may use an example for teaching purposes, but will not use a name or enough personal information to identify the person ( unless it is me ).

I know things about some people that could put them away for several years, but because of their repentive hearts and the change in their lives, what they have said, is better left alone.

as was said before, gossip is totally dangerous, totally degrading, and is not exhaulting, or edifying or comforting to the Body what so ever.

one way to deter gossip, to put a stop to it, is if some one is getting ready to share some with you, tell them before they share this with you, that you will be verifying it with the person they are speaking about, and that you will be using their name, and if they say ok, well, turn and walk away..... most people do not want their name tagged to the gossip they are spreading.

mike

[eric]

In short, MYOB, unless it's advantageous and beneficial to the physical or spiritual good of person you are referring to. How many times I seen posted on this board, one of the members saying, so and so needs prayer because they have been off the track...... Gossip?....No concern for their spiritual well being. My daughter went to her pastor worried about me not being saved. He said pray. My daughter prayed. I'm saved.

eric

Edited April 30, 2005 by eric

[Work in Progress]

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

God spoke the universe into existance. There is power in the spoken word and that is why scripture is so adamant about the wise man keeping his mouth shut.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Amen, amen and amen. And BOY, do I need to keep reminding myself of that daily!!!

[Gerioke]

Me too. I shudder to think of the things I've spoken into mine and other peoples lives. Thank God love covers a multitude of sins.

[hmh]

If we mind our own business we won't be minding anybody else's unless they ask for our opinion or God tells us to intervene. That's why we need not to be caught up in gossiping with others but instead uplifting others as God instructs us to. Tearing down is easy, but building up is harder and takes a long time. Pray for others.