Listening to Gossip
Proverbs 26:20 (NLT) “Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.”
Did you know that listening to gossip is just as guilty as spreading gossip? If you continue to read the next two verses, you will understand why:
Proverbs 26:22 (NLT) “Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.”
Gossip and rumors are juicy to the ears! There used to be a character on a TV show called Benita who always said, “But I ain’t one to gossip, so you ain’t heard that from me!” Then she went on to gossip to the audience. Here is the point. God looks at your heart and your intent. You had the opportunity to stop the person from continuing to Gossip, but you didn’t. Gossip requires at least two people: a transmitter and a receiver. Both are guilty in God’s eyes.
I have always used this method to stop gossiping. When a person starts saying, “…Have you heard about so-and-so?” I immediately say, “No, but if it is bad news, let’s not spread negativity about them and pray for them right now.” I recently heard a pastor say his method to stop gossiping is to tell the person, “…by the way, I just want you to know that as soon as you finish, I plan to call the person you were talking about and let them know you told me. I know these suggestions may sound funny to you, but something very serious is at stake. God doesn’t like gossiping.
As Christian believers, we are to live daily being led by the Holy Spirit. We should never wish harm or something evil towards those we do not like. That is very hard to do. Which is why you need help from the Holy Spirit. Your goal is to say blessings and love to whomever you meet. The Apostle Paul always ended his letters stating, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philippians 4:23)
Be Blessed!
Ron
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