Gossip is regarded by most as a contemptible, sinful practice which should have no place in society. At the same time most will quickly affirm the universal presence of gossip in the home, at work and even in the church. I have never heard anyone actually defend gossip – until now.
I was doing some search engine work on common phrases and words that bring people to the Preacher’s Study. I entered “gossip” and soon found this article by a “minister and professor of the practice of religion” at a large eastern university. I was shocked that this man actually argued in favor of gossip!
He reasoned from the writings of professionals who said that gossip is good for the individual and helps us understand where we stand morally. Now I will let you read the article and make your own decisions but I could help but think of Isaiah 5:20:
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;
That put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
That put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
As I re-read that verse I noticed verse 21 just below:
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
Now I will not cover ground already covered here about gossip in the church but I do hope you will take a look at those articles. I’m just a simple preacher from West Alabama but I think I know enough not to talk about people. Maybe what we need most in the church is a big does of common sense.
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1 comments On Good Gossip?
Recognizing That Your Are Gossiping…
Psalms 41:6 “And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.”
It is not hard recognizing when you’re gossiping. Ask yourself these three questions to determine if you are a participant of gossip:
If God was standing right next to me, would He approve of this conversation?
Is the person I am discussing, present, to defend themselves?
If the tables were turned, would I like this to be said about me or one of my loved ones?
If the answers above were each answered “yes,” then there have not been any errors of one’s character being destroyed.
Outside of asking if God would approve of the conversation, the most important is; is this conversation something we need to ask a person that we care about? And should it be asked in private? In no way should anyone be placed in a position to be embarrassed and made to feel that their private details true or false are the root of conversation, for entertainment and amusement for the group for that day, or any other day!
Individuals that gossip can be cured of their disease, very quickly! And this is by; placing the shoe from the foot of the person (s) they’re attacking with the rumors, and placing it directly on their own foot.
God is asking you to stop gossiping, will you do this for Him? He really loves you, and He really loves the person (s) in whom are being gossiped about.
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