Simply Blessed—Finding Joy In The Little ThingsSample

Gossip is Like a Drain

Gossip can be so easy to fall into, and we all do it. Just one little tidbit won’t hurt anyone, we think. The problem is one tidbit can lead to one more and before we know it, we are discussing the personal lives of others, which need not be talked about. 

We have all been there. Why is it that someone else’s pain can give us such joy when we talk about it? I am not perfect in any way, so let me be honest: gossip is one area of my life where God is really working on me. I have had to ask God to convict me when this ugly side of me tries to pull me down the drain and I want to encourage you to do the same. Remove yourself from conversations, if that is what it takes. 

Gossip is frowned upon by God. Scripture warns us about it. Ephesians 4:29 really hits home with me: “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.” Our speech needs to build others up and benefit those who listen. Gossip does the opposite. 

The tongue is a sharp knife that can deeply cut the person on the other end of your words. We all have the option to choose what is good and stop ourselves from being sucked down the gossip drain. Each of us needs to make a conscious choice to turn away from gossip. Today put the plug in the drain by praying and asking God to convict you to turn away from gossip. 

Lord, please convict my heart when I am being sucked down the gossip drain. Help me to put a plug in it and to choose words that build up and not tear down. Help me to be an example to others who are listening and watching me. Guide my words to help me change the subject in situations where gossip is occurring and give me the strength to be able to say that, “I don’t think this is our business”. Father, thank you for helping me do better when it comes to gossip. Amen.