GUILTY OF GOSSIP
Zip your lip! If you were like me growing up, you heard these words more times than you could count. While it is true that a simple solution to stop gossip is to just zip your lip, there is another component to this crucial issue that we must keep in mind; Gossip is not just what you say, but what you willingly listen to. If you zip your lip but lend your ear, you are just as guilty of gossip as the one who is speaking!
If you zip your lip but lend your ear, you are just as guilty of gossip as the one who is speaking! Share on XHere’s a sober thought – the fact that someone would be comfortable gossiping around you doesn’t just speak poorly of their character, but your character as well.
Rick Warren said,
“Listening to gossip is like accepting stolen property, and it makes you just as guilty of the crime.” God hates gossip and the Bible goes to radical extremes on how we should deal with it.
Here are four practical ways to shut down gossip:
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Pray for them.
A simple way to stop gossip is to respond to the person spreading the gossip by saying, “Before you tell me anything else, let’s pray for them.” This will clearly communicate that you have no interest in participating in the conversation.
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Compliment them.
When you are approached by someone who is slandering another person, a simple and sure way to stop the negativity is to counter it with positivity. Never underestimate the power of a compliment!
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Confront them.
Of course we would all prefer to fix the situation in a subtle, non-invasive manner, however, that’s not always possible. Sometimes, especially when it’s reoccurring, you have to move beyond dropping hints and shoot it straight.
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Have nothing to do with them.
If you’ve addressed a gossiper, yet they continue in their ways, it may be time you heed Paul’s instruction found in Titus 3:10 (NKJV) which says, “If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.” It may sound harsh, but we cannot afford to get entangled in gossip.
TAKE ACTION
Gossip is decisive and destructive. The longer you ignore it, the more damage it does. Implement these four steps to ensure a gossip-free life.
Caleb and Ali live in East Tennessee where they serve at The Lift Church. With boldness and conviction, their deepest desire is to see the church revived and the world awakened. Learn more about The Lift by visiting theliftchurch.tv.
