How does it feel when you hear about others talking behind your back? It hurts, doesn’t it? And even if what you hear isn’t about you, it can be uncomfortable or make you see other people in a different light. When you hear gossip, it pulls you into sin as you become a participant in spreading lies, embellishments or secrets.
I’ve seen gossip bring companies down faster than the FDA and FTC combined. It tears up marriages and families, destroys reputations and can obliterate your income.
The Book of Proverbs says this about gossip: “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.” (Proverbs 26:20-23)
Look, the enemy hates you with a passion. And the only power he has over your life is the power you give to him! He tries to be sneaky, using words and lies to fuel his hate. It is all a plan to destroy you… don’t fall for it!
One of the ways the enemy tricks you is by disguising gossip when you console someone. “Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.” (Proverbs 26:24-26)
Gossip arises from a heart that is not clean, and that is sin. And if you are receiving gossip, your heart is no longer clean, either. Gossip does not build trust, get you promoted or increase your value in the marketplace.
It has to stop, but you have to make a conscious effort to make it stop. When it comes to you, start by saying, “Hold on a second… I love you and I don’t want to hurt you. It sounds like you need to talk to ____.” More often than not, the gossiper needs to confront an issue with whomever they are gossiping about!
But you don’t have to include yourself in their problems. You don’t have to take part in a destructive cycle that hurts, destroys and ruins lives. It will never bring you happiness, grant you spiritual success or get you closer to your dream. Bottom line, it’s not a productive use of your time.
Would you rather be someone who builds trust, keeps your heart clean and attains spiritual success? Or do you want to waste your time sowing bad seeds that will never bear any worthwhile fruit? Let me know which you would rather do in the comments below and be sure to Like and Share today’s message with your friends and family. Spread something constructive… instead of destructive!
In great faith,
P.S. Like what you read here? Just hit the “LIKE” button at the top of the page! That will help your Facebook friends find this inspirational message!
All successful people have certain characteristics in common. But, one thing I have noticed is…highly successful people have a very unusual way of dealing with issues arising in their lives! Do you?
Last week, I had a conversation with someone who was having a hard time with her manager at work. We’ve all had challenges like that before, where we seem to […]
When forming a new habit, it has to become second nature…and it DOESN’T happen overnight. But, when you make a solid decision and follow it with action, you WILL succeed!