Gossip

Gossip is a tool of the devil.
It is used to hurt people and divide the church.

I've had God most of my life but never been part of a church family. I never knew that gossip could be so destructive. It can hurt so many in a short time if it is not stopped quickly.

We must learn that sometimes talking about something is not always the best way.

We are taught to talk about it, you'll feel better. This is the way to go.
Not if what you're saying is hurtful or might be taken the wrong way.

Sometimes gossip is us just not thinking before we speak, or in the form of a prayer request. Or it is childish hurtful gossip that serves no purpose other than to hurt someone!

It is just as bad to listen to gossip, as it is to do the talking. By listening to gossip we are saying its o.k. to say it.

Should someone come to you with gossip just say no. Tell them they should talk to that person or go to a spiritual authority and ask for help. Put their actions back in their hands and maybe they will see that they are in the wrong.

Have I gossiped? Yes, and a leader in my church talked to me about it and I learned a lesson. The problem comes when people don't learn and the same people keep gossiping all the time. That is when it is time to go to others and try to confront that person so they may see how hurtful it is.

Have I and others I know been hurt by gossip? Yes, can't you tell? Maybe I'm being to hard or maybe not hard enough, anyway I feel gossip must stop!
Be a person who says no!

God wants people who can control their mouths and think before they speak. God will honor that!

“If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.'
(James 1 verse 26 in the Holy Bible)

Stay strong in God,

Joel Blessitt