An Invention

“If you didn't see it with your own eyes, or hear it with your own ears, don't invent it with your small mind and share it with your big mouth.”  (curiano.com)

Gossip (or slander) is symptomatic of a deeper internal issue, an immoral heart. Sometimes it starts out with something like, “Listen to what they did? Can you believe it?” When I spread rumors about someone, I keep a lie alive that should die. “When there is no wood, the fire goes out; when there is no one to spread gossip, arguing stops.” (Proverbs 26:20, VOICE) Gossip (or slander) when active in our life reveal four ugly truths about us:

1.   Gossip (or slander) reveals arrogance: Arrogance is the belief that you are better than someone else. When you bring back to life others’ shortcomings through gossip (or slander), you are admitting that their sin is worse than yours. So much worse that it can’t be forgiven or forgotten.

 

2.   Gossip (or slander) reveals insecurity: When we gossip (or slander), we are insecure in our identity in Christ. God has each of us on a distinct journey to accomplish His will. When we have a growing relationship with our Heavenly Father, we can be secure in our choices even when they are different from someone else’s. Our identity is in Jesus not in how we look to other people.

 

3.   Gossip (or slander) reveals pride: Each of these trying to get ahead fall under the larger category of pride. We are prideful in thinking we have to be better than others and that we can achieve any type of goodness apart from God. Any good within us comes from the grace of Jesus.

 

4.    Gossip (or slander) reveals trying to take advantage of someone at their expense: “You must not go around spreading false stories against other people. Don’t do anything that would put your neighbor’s life in danger. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:16; ERV) When we gossip (or slander), we use someone else’s misfortune to remind ourselves of their flaws to make us look better. When I’m tempted to gossip (or slander) by telling that one superb story that everyone will gasp over,

 

I ask myself about my true motives and what do my actions communicate about them. I want to join with my Heavenly Father by not being a source of sin. I must share in the grace He gives to others and me. This is accomplished by replacing gossip (or slander) with words that edify (instead of destroy).

 “Don't worry about those who talk behind your back, they are behind you for a reason.”  (Pravinee Hurbungs)[i]

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[i] Source used: “4 Ugly Truths Gossip Reveals about Us” by Brenda Rodgers