“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother”
gossip test published week of February 21, 2021
Four preachers met for a friendly gathering. During the conversation one preacher said, “Our people come to us and pour out their hearts, confess certain sins and needs. Let’s do the same. Confession is good for the soul.” In due time all agreed. One confessed he liked to go to movies and would sneak off when away from his church. The second confessed to liking to smoke cigars and the third one confessed to liking to play cards. When it came to the fourth one, he wouldn’t confess. The others pressed him saying, “Come now, we confessed ours. What is your secret or vice?” Finally he answered, “It is gossiping and I can hardly wait to get out of here.”
Gossip is probably one of the most dangerous and destructive sins we can engage in as Christians. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked in the Church today. Nothing can destroy relationships, and unity in the Body of Christ, faster than gossip. The dictionary defines gossip as: “Idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others.” This type of talk displeases God and directly ignores Paul's command in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying [building up], that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Gossip has no place in the Body of Christ. The Church will never be what God intends for her to be where gossip is present. Perhaps there is nothing that will destroy our witness any faster than “loose lips”. When outsiders see Christians speaking unkindly about each other, it often does irreparable damage. Jesus told His disciples they should be known by their love for one another (John 13:35) and the same is true for every Christian even today. Gossip is not loving and must not characterize our life.
Here is a suggested acronym to live by that will help us measure what we say. T– Is it True? H– Is it Helpful? I– Is it Inspiring? N– Is it Necessary? K– Is it Kind?
“Heavenly Father, Please help me to speak in a such a way that brings honor and glory to Your name. I want my words to always build up and not tear down. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
