How Do You Feel About Gossip

     Gossip is often thought of as an innocent pastime...but is it? Satan has painted tale bearing as innocuous, but if we peel away the deception, we see the ugly truth. The bible lists gossip among the most depraved sins, according to Romans 1:28-31;

• ...since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.They have become filled with every kind of evil, wickedness,greed and depravity. Thry sre full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful.They invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents, they are senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless.

     
     Nothing about gossip is harmless. No matter if the intention is not to hurt, or be cruel, the target of the comments can be embarrassed or hurt. If you were to ask a few people to define gossip most will mention something about spreading rumors. That's the truth, but not the whole truth...Gossip includes any idle or malicious talk that harms someone else. Damaging speech is a universal sin and we've all been there, guilty as charged! Example, have you ever commented on how another person was dressed? Suggested to a friend someone you both know should consider changing their hair style or the way they dress...how about telling an  acquaintance about another's personal life? Another question...did you feel a check in your spirit while you were speaking? Gossip...words that do harm despite seeming innocent. Some people gossip by jesting, some by sarcasm, using personal details as examples and worst of all...as a prayer request! We definitely need to know and understand the difference between worthless chatter and wise speech. When the heart's intention is to mar a reputation or create a sense of camaraderie, lips move loosely. But a desire to make God happy by speaking only what builds up others can change that right away.