Gossip is often justified by the claim, “but it’s true!” The idea is that gossip is only wrong when it is false. Nothing could be further from the truth. Such a claim is but an excuse to continue harmful talk and a weak defense against a charge of being a busybody. As a preacher I … Continue reading What About True Gossip?
Gossip is an insidious cancer that invades and destroys relationships daily. Even when no harm is intended gossip hurts. People universally agree that gossip is bad yet it never seems to go away. Why is it so powerful? What fuels the need to gossip? There are several answers I’m sure but here are a couple … Continue reading Why Gossip Works
Church gossip is especially bad. It’s not funny and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Gossip is dangerous no matter where it is found but when it’s in God’s family it seems much more hurtful. After all, you expect the best from your brothers and sisters. If someone in the workplace or in class talks behind your … Continue reading Church Gossip
In the past year we have written 6 articles trying to stop gossip. We recommend learning to walk away and stop gossiping by refusing to be a part of it. These articles continue to attract comments and questions. Gossip was our first article written a year ago. It’s a good broad introduction to the problem … Continue reading Walk Away and Stop Gossip
After reading 5 Ways to Stop Gossip, one of our readers asked; “How should the gossiper stop gossiping; if it is a struggle in his or her life?” That’s a great question. We have talked about how you can stop gossip at work and how to stop gossip in the church, but never about how … Continue reading Shut My Mouth! 5 Ways to Stop Being a Gossip
There are many ways to stop gossip. Maybe the most important way is to stop repeating what we hear. But since so many people struggle with the consequences of gossip and because so many are hurt by it, I thought we would offer a slightly different take on the subject. We’ve talked about ways to … Continue reading Ways to Stop Gossip – Your Response
Gossip is regarded by most as a contemptible, sinful practice which should have no place in society. At the same time most will quickly affirm the universal presence of gossip in the home, at work and even in the church. I have never heard anyone actually defend gossip – until now. I was doing some … Continue reading Good Gossip?
Do church members gossip? Do they gossip about each other? I think we know the answer. And I think we know that all of us have been guilty of gossip at some time. But we also know that gossip is a horrendous habit that can assault, crush and destroy even the strongest believer. Gossip is … Continue reading Stop Gossip in the Church
Gossip hurts and is destructive to any group or organization where it is found. [cref Gossip We talked about gossip before] and made several points about the harm that comes from either intentional or unintentional gossip. Instead of talking about people we should be talking to people and encouraging them. As promised we today offer … Continue reading 5 Ways to Stop Gossip
Frederick Darrell tells a story from his childhood in Guyana. His family lived along a small stream in the country. They raised their food including chickens. There came a time when the family noticed they were missing chickens but they couldn’t figure out where they were going. Maybe some were just wandering off or maybe … Continue reading Gossip