The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, they go down into the inmost body. Proverbs 18:8

 Let’s be honest, everyone loves a good story, especially if it’s about someone’s life. Gossip is rampant these days, as it’s spread in social media, publications, and from person to person. And like most things shared, the story spreads further and further from the actual truth. Are you guilty of gossip?

 What does gossip do to you? For one, it fills your mind and heart with a negative image of the person you are gossiping about. Every time you see that person, this “story” will always be associated with them in your mind, making it difficult to have a fair and balanced view of them. Judgment can also develop through gossip as you compare their life to yours. Jesus said that by the standard you judge, will be the same to judge your life (Matthew 7:2). And finally, gossip can ruin someone’s reputation, making it impossible for them to recover from their errors in your mind. They might have redeemed themselves with God, forgiven, and living a new life in Christ…all the while you are spreading bad news and harming their new witness.

 Jesus said, “But I say to you, that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36

 Jesus made it very clear that gossip and idle talk will only bring judgment upon yourself, and who needs that. The best way to avoid gossip, is to shield yourself from those “talebearers” who want to feed you toxic trifles. You don’t need that in your life, so avoid it at all cost. And if caught in the middle of a gossip conversation, simply excuse yourself to show your obedience to Jesus Christ. You’ve got enough to worry about living rightly, don’t bother yourself with the stories of other people’s lives. God bless!