(Lev 19:16) 'You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people . . .
Gossip. We’ve all been victim. Gossip. We’ve all been guilty. We’ve been on both sides of the fence, so we know what it’s all about. How can we get a handle on gossip? The Word of God speaks clearly on this subject:
Why do we gossip? - (Pro 18:8) The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
What are the results of gossip? - (Pro 16:28) . . . a whisperer separates the best of friends.
The world gossips - (Rom 1:29-30) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are WHISPERERS, 30 BACKBITERS, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents.
It can happen in the church - (2 Cor 12:20) For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, BACKBITINGS, WHISPERINGS, conceits, tumults.
What should we do when someone gossips around us? - (Pro 20:19) He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.
What do we do with information we unintentionally learned through gossip? - (Pro 11:13) A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.
Have you ever heard of reverse gossip? It’s a lot of fun. When someone comes up to you and starts to gossip about somebody, you turn it around and start talking about the good in the person. The gossip usually gets frustrated and will leave you for an easier prey.
Gossips will always be among us but we as followers of Jesus seek to cover instead of expose people’s weaknesses. Aren’t you glad God doesn’t broadcast your sins around town for all to know? The blood of Jesus covers all of our iniquities. So now we have better things to do than to gossip. We’re too busy spreading the good news of the Lord’s love!
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." (1 Pet 4:8)
Louie