Way too often we use our words to hurt and destroy others. Our words are powerful; they are full of death and life. We should use them to bless and encourage others, not to cause them pain. 

It spreads like wildfire:

Gossip is defined (Cambridge Dictionary) as: conversation or reports about other people’s private lives that might be unkind, disapproving, or not true. Gossip has destroyed more people, tarnished more reputations, broken more friendships, and split more churches than any sin I’m aware of. Gossip is quickly told, quickly heard, and quickly spread. Worst of all, gossip is quickly believed.

It is denied:

People will confess to stealing, lying, adultery, even murder. But no one confesses to gossip. God’s word teaches us to believe the best in people. The devil, who is a liar and slanderer, comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. He is the author of gossip and everything that causes people to be so insecure.

It is destructive:

We should not gravitate toward gossip or enjoy someone else’s demise. We don’t rejoice at injustice or someone else’s issues. We should seek to help and encourage. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Let’s use our tongues and words to encourage, to help, and to restore others.

Let’s ask God to heal us and put a guard over our mouths and ears, so we won’t allow gossip to come from our mouths or get into the inmost parts of our being.

Just a thought,

PSS