James 1:26 (KJV)
If any man among you seems to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Surely, you noticed the title, the AI-generated photo and raised an eyebrow or two. This topic has sat in my queue for weeks. It maybe a little touchy and could end up lengthy but I will try to get to point quickly. This subject is deeply embedded in global culture and has caused divisions within the body of Christ. It turns all parties involved into victims and villains. Today’s topic is gossip. For generations, it has been a part of the norms, often masked as casual conversation. We’ve all engaged in it at some point, and don’t blink too fast … perhaps even just moments ago. It transcends race and gender, and while women have often been associated with it, men have quietly played their part behind the scenes.
Gossip can ruin relationships, spread rapidly like wildfire, expose the intentions of the heart, create trauma bonds, shatter trust, damage reputations, and disrupt peace. It hinders purpose, divides what should be united, and as kingdom citizens, we should remember it does not honor our King. Our Father disapproves of harmful speech about one another, a warning emphasized in different verses in the holy scriptures.
Prov 18:8 (KJV)
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
I stated above that gossip makes a person the victim and the villain, there is no right person or wrong person when two people both come into agreement as talebearers. And unfortunately, we don’t get to choose the end result either. It just does not bear good fruit. How do I know? I have experienced it. Giving in to casual conversation about others, knowing that there was casual conversation about me or being guilty by just sitting amongst others listening to the conversation. Let me throw this out there: Venting without wise counsel is gossip.
Check this here, I’m chuckling while typing this. I had the nerve to go to God angry and upset with my neighbor because they were talking about me. Day and night, I recited Psalms of revenge against my enemies, taking each psalm all out of context … because honestly, how dare they put their mouths on me? I wanted them to face the harsh consequences I thought they deserved. Crazy, but that was my mindset. The audacity I had to cry to him after I spent countless seasons being joined to others in casual unfruitful conversations.
Then I began to see God’s heart on this subject through his written word. During my study, He also began to show me my heart. It was revealed to me that using the Psalms in anger, especially in a time when God has called us to a higher state of love, can be seen as a form of witchcraft, as rebellion is likened to witchcraft. Gossip is rebelling against the commandments of God. Often, some of us have to face the same challenges every season until we truly accept the correction needed in our character. That some of us was me. As the song says, “I once was blind, but now I see.” …. you know the rest.
Jesus provided a solid spiritual format for dealing with gossip, discord, and offense within the body, urging us to move beyond the flesh and address these matters in the spirit against the demonic spirit. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Save the potential of his children. It’s important to recognize that not everyone is a Judas, though some may be like Peter. Peter was still changed and used.
If your focus is on the New Testament this season, take note of the guidance on handling conflict. Seek the lord on how to apply his word. Ask him to chop down the rotten fruit that goes unseen. Leave no door open for Satan this season! No more offering strange fire in speech! Rise to the occasion! Gossip and discord will not delay another season!
The wise use their words for healing even in correction and you’re wise!
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