Guilty as charged!

On the 4^th of July 2014, the nation of France was left in shock as a teacher was stabbed to death by the mother of one of her pupils in front of her class. The end of school’s results had been released but her daughter’s performance was below par. When she was apprehended by the police, she shouted repeatedly, “I am not a thief”.

As extreme as that sounds, it happens everytime we engage in the sin of gossip (Romans 1:29-30) and slander (Leviticus 19:16). Gossip leads to character assassination and robs people of   the beauty of being known on a first hand basis. Gossip smears and being spiritual does not absolve us from relating to people based on what we have heard about them. This puts a lid on our relationships(1 Samuel 24:9) ,causes strife and spreads discord which God hates(Proverbs 6:16,19;20:26 ) .Rather than bringing knowledge(Malachi 2:6-7 ),our lips serve as tools in the hand of the enemy.With so many ill-effects why do we still engage in this vice?

 First of all, it is pleasurable. Something about the human nature wants to know that all is not as well with the Joneses as portrayed. This may be linked to jealously. Idleness ( 1 Timothy 5:13) may be breeding ground  for gossip coupled with the fact that it is harder to pray than to gossip. Resentment and unforgiveness often serve as baits for gossip. Moreover we may be reluctant to participate in the drudgery of working out our relationships (James 3:18 MSG) and resort to verbal bullying .It may also be a method of vindictiveness as a result of malice.

The temptation to engage in gossip is real and varies for different individuals. Women being more relational tend to be more prone although the menfolk are not immune. Regular cross examination of our hearts and motives is a priority if we must gain the upper hand. We can consciously also remove ourselves from situations that lead to gossip and avoid being alone with known gossips. To prevent idle talk, phone calls should be purposeful and our visitations strategic. The insatiable need to know everything possible about everyone should be stiffened. Rather we should make it our business to be involved intimately only with those we truly care about. As a rule, if we are not part of the problem or solution, then we might as well keep our mouths shut.

Gossip need not be false to cause harm. Listening to gossip is as much evil as spreading it. Our words about others is a reflection of  honour  and  should be incubated in enough love to cover their weaknesses with the knowledge that we still have our own struggles which we would prefer hidden. Let us also honour God always knowing he listens to our every conversation (Malachi 3:16a).

Yours in His  Service,
Grace Tom-Lawyer

NB:This is a more comprehensive version of the previous post-Juicy bits..sour aftertaste.