G is for Gossip...

G is for Gossip

There are a variety of definitions for gossip which include:

1:  a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others

2 a : rumor or report of an intimate nature

b : a chatty talk

c : the subject matter of gossip

In the Webster’s Desk Dictionary it is defined as:  idle talk or rumor, esp. about the private affairs of others; a person given to such talk; a casual conversation; to relate or spread gossip.

Unfortunately a lot of gossip goes on in circles of women and men, whether it be at gatherings, club meetings or at church.  Sometimes people especially women try to cover themselves by first saying they are telling it in love or they have something they need to share.  Hello, gossip is gossip and it is a sin.  At times we tend to quit looking for the good in people and concentrate on their faults. When we start feeling critical of someone we need to list their positive qualities and concentrate on those.  We need to remember that gossip tears people down and that is not what God wants from us. He wants us to be busy in His work, not busybodies.

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed of another.”     Galatians 5:14-15

“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool."  Proverbs 10:18

“For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."   2 Thessalonians 3:11-12

As my mom used to say, “If you do not have something good to say about someone then it does not bear repeating.”

until next time… nel