Gossip is a Destructive Use of the Tongue that is Condemned in the Bible

     Gossip is one of the most common and damaging sins of the tongue, but it is alive and well in the church today. How can you be sure if something is gossip? Gossip has several characteristics. First, it is usually information that we have not verified. Second, even if it is true, the information is not being discussed by people who intend to help in the situation. Finally, you can be certain it is gossip if you wouldn’t want the subject of the conversation to hear your words. The Word of God says: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

Pray that you will have the strength to obey the Lord and follow His example of treating others lovingly: “One thing… will I seek that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple (Psalm 27:4).

Pray the confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in close fellowship with Him: “Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. For He says to the snow, ‘fall on the earth’; likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength (Job 37:2, 6).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God’s will, voice your affirmation of His Word: “The Son of Man has come to save that which was lost… it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish (Matthew 18:11, 14).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater contentment,
• Self-control in speech and action,
• Forgiveness of someone who has hurt you with harsh words.

Close with this prayer to God: “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name” (Psalm 63:3-4).

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,” (Romans 1:29). “Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to” (1 Timothy 5:13).