Managing Gossip
I hope you’ll excuse me for a minute while I veer off of my usual path.
When I hear about women spreading bitterness and gossip….I want to shout, “Stop! Let’s honor Christ and stop trying to destroy one another!”
“Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20
As we grow in age and wisdom, our craving for foolishness should become less and less.
“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.“ 1 Cor 15:33
There are always going to be difficult people in our lives. God, through His Word, gives insight into how to handle them. Don’t quarrel, control your anger, control your tongue, forgive. These are things we should be striving for.
I’ve gotten several phone calls today from people letting me know about some vicious gossip that is being spread. It’s all lies, it’s all deceit, it’s all without foundation. But that doesn’t stop the women that are talking from wagging their tongues.
“He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.” Prov 18:10
“The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.” Prov 15:14
It is hard not to be distracted by fools that spread lies. But God’s Word warns us over and over not to give them any credibility. He tells us to control our anger and be slow to respond. If I react in anger, am I not letting my own sin take control? I know better than to let my emotions and rumors affect my decisions.
I love these women. But the Scriptures tell me to stay away from bad company. So how do you minister to them and stay away at the same time?
What do you think?
“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Prov 12:18
I do not know how to be a servant in a group and still distance yourself from the bitterness. Oh, why must quarrels be among us?
Dear, sweet friend, all I can do is lift you up in prayer. I was reminded as I prayed for you, that when Jesus had faithfully completed His time of temptation in the wilderness, God sent angels to minister to Him. Crying, yelling, self-doubt, Diet Dr. Pepper, and chocolate could not do what those angel of the Lord were able to do. I am praying that today, God will send His angels into your home to minister to you and your children.
Much love and many blessings.
.-= Laurie´s last blog ..Misnomer =-.
Hmmm, that is a hard one. Being in the world but not of the world~ sometimes that is a fine line to walk. When I am in a tough situation I generally consider my words much more carefully and prayerfully when I speak. Prayer…that’s just about the answer to everything isn’t it? 😉
With friendship,
Megan
Yes! Prayer is the answer. It is so hard in the midst of the trouble to remember that. I am so grateful for friends that keep me on the right track….and in stock of chocolate and Diet DP. 🙂 Lisa~
I love you and know you will be ever in the word over this till it is resolved with love. I am here for you my friend. Prayer is always the best medicine of chocolate and Diet Dr. Pepper are nice helpers too 😉
🙂 Heather
Oh dear… gossip is so, so evil. And so, so hurtful. I am sorry you are being hurt by it.
I’ll be praying.
.-= petersonclan´s last blog ..In the last Month =-.
As far as how to influence others not to gossip, I’ve found that my immediate silence and non-participation will over time (sometimes just one time) curb their gossip. And of course praying for that person to see what they are doing.
.-= Autumn Beck´s last blog ..Open House- Kitchen and Dining Room =-.
You could go on a “gossip fast” and invite some to join you or at the very least let them know you are “fasting” from gossip if they didn’t know. You could make it a fun contest even {if you are close enough with the other ladies.} Or you could blog about it ;)I was suffering with the same problem in my group of “friends” last year so I understand how toxic and weighty all the “talking” can be. Good luck!!
This is a really tough subject. Gossip is something I have been guilty of in the past… it comes from a heart that is unloving. As the old saying goes, “why tell a lie if the truth will do more damage?” 😛 Thanks for the great reminder. 🙂
As for being in bad company, well, to be quite honest, sometimes the mindset of staying away from ‘bad company’ can come across as judging. When I am in fault, I appreciate it if my friends tell me so… what I don’t appreciate is when someone finds fault with me and distances themselves from me. I don’t know what is wrong and I can’t fix it if I don’t know what I did.
If God brings situations into your life where you are around these women, perhaps there is something He wants you to say.
I am very young and this is just my two cents. Forgive any arrogance. I enjoy your blog. 🙂