Back in the day when gossip magazines hit new stands—everyone wanted to be in the know of a famous person’s life when they aren’t in front of a camera. From there rose talk shows and now we have the internet to spread gossip, slander, and lies about anyone. Good people would run for office but they’ve changed their minds because they know their families will be dragged through the dirt of malicious talk and rumors without merit.

Gossip and slander are sneaky sins. We or other people can ask others to pray for someone after we’ve dished out their shameful business. Why would we do that? Mainly because of pride in our hearts—wanting to prove or feel better about ourselves.

Even if we aren’t the people speaking the gossip—if we are willing to sit and listen to it—we are actively engaged in the sin of gossiping. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can quickly discern what we need to know vs. what we don’t need to know. We don’t have to gossip—either speaking or listening. We can rise above it by becoming a trustworthy person who keeps a thing covered.

How can we learn to resist gossiping?

#1) Imagine the person being slandered in the place where the gossip is being shared…how would you speak of the situation if they were sitting right there looking at you?

#2) Imagine yourself in their shoes…how would you want someone to talk about your situation?

#3) Speak up to interrupt a gossip/slander taking place to share that you don’t want to know the details and you would rather everyone stop and pray right at that moment. Be sure to include a time of quiet reflection/confession of the sin of gossip.

If this becomes your practice, gossipers and slanderers will stop coming to you.

Can’t make me gossip…

Prayer

Dear Lord, I don’t want to be a gossip or even a person who regularly listens to it. Grant me the discernment and timing to pull out of gossip. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,

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