Imagine you’re hanging out with your friends during recess. Suddenly, someone starts talking about Jake, who isn’t there. “Hey, did you hear? Jake failed his math test. Do you think he’s stupid or something?”
Soon, everyone starts chiming in with their own stories and guesses about Jake. It feels exciting, like sharing a big secret. But what you don’t realize is that Jake is sitting nearby, feeling hurt because he can overhear your conversation.
🗣️ This kind of negative talk is known as gossip, where people spread rumors or talk about others behind their backs.
The Bible has something important to say about gossip. Proverbs 16:28 tells us, “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.” This verse warns us that gossip can cause serious problems in our relationships by spreading unkind words and creating bad drama.
God really doesn’t like gossip because it goes against His desire for us to love others (John 13:34-35). When we gossip, we’re not showing love or kindness. Instead, we’re hurting people and making them feel alone, angry, or misunderstood. Gossip twists the truth and stirs up bad feelings.
This is not what God wants us to do. Instead, the Bible advises, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
So, let’s always remember that our words have power. We can choose to use them for good or harm, encouragement or gossip. As followers of Jesus, let’s be people who actively bring peace and love others as God desires, not gossiping about them behind their backs.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How would I feel if I were the one being gossiped about?
- What can I do to stop taking part in gossip?
- How can I use my words to encourage and uplift others around me?
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