GOSSIP

DEFINED AS

Gossip can be defined as idle talk or writing about another person or situation, regardless of fact. It can also be defined as, malicious or slanderous talk or writing about another person or situation with desire or intention to hurt them. It can also be defined as talk or writing about another person or situation in order to turn another’s opinion against that person or situation. Gossip can be truth or falsehood, but it is still gossip.
Talebearing can be defined as a negative story, a false report, or gossip. It can be defined as one who spitefully informs against another.


REASONS THAT PEOPLE GOSSIP
1) Pride
2) Bitterness, hostility, anger, resentment; thus, find someone to vent their inner feelings on
3) Low self-esteem; desire to pull others around them down to their level
4) Purposeful attempt to destroy or malign someone, motivated by jealousy
5) Influence of peers; joining the crowd for acceptance


CONSEQUENCES OF GOSSIP
1) The one who is spoken against can receive:
hurt or pain,
embarrassment,
damage to their character
or reputation;
it is destructive
and causes division.



7-THREE CAUTIONS:
1) Do not associate with a person who is a gossip.
As it is written, Pv 20:19-HE THAT GOETH ABOUT AS A TALEBEARER REVEALETH SECRETS: THEREFORE MEDDLE NOT WITH HIM THAT FLATTERETH WITH HIS LIPS.
2) Conceal the matter; keep it to yourself.
As it is written, Pv 11:13-A TALEBEARER REVEALETH SECRETS: BUT HE THAT IS OF A FAITHFUL SPIRIT CONCEALETH THE MATTER.
3) Let no unwholesome words proceed out of your mouth.
As it is written, Eph 4:29-LET NO CORRUPT COMMUNICATION PROCEED OUT OF YOUR MOUTH, BUT THAT WHICH IS GOOD TO THE USE OF EDIFYING, THAT IT MAY MINISTER GRACE UNTO THE HEARERS.


WHAT TO DO IF YOU GOSSIP
1) Genuine repentance—ask for forgiveness
2) Commitment—seal on my lips—guard on my mouth (think before you speak)
3) Memorize these verses, say them to God when you get out of bed:
Ps 19:14-LET THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH, AND THE MEDITATION OF MY HEART, BE ACCEPTABLE IN THY SIGHT, O LORD, MY STRENGTH, AND MY REDEEMER.
Eph 4:29-LET NO CORRUPT COMMUNICATION PROCEED OUT OF YOUR MOUTH, BUT THAT WHICH IS GOOD TO THE USE OF EDIFYING, THAT IT MAY MINISTER GRACE UNTO THE HEARERS.
Finally, Mt 7:12 NIV-IN EVERYTHING, DO TO OTHERS WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TO YOU.