Gossip...

Why do we love to spread gossip?  Is it that we love to tell the untold?  Is it that we enjoy seeing people's reactions to the information that we are telling them?  What is it about us that enjoys tearing down people's character, and whispering about them instead of talking to them.  In case you didn't realize it, I would argue that gossiping is not of God!  What pains me however is that in a lot of churches, we will discipline and look down on people who may have a child while not being married, yet we say nothing to the millions of people who go around gossiping and talking down about people.  The bible says that: "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man [or woman] who talks too much” (Proverbs 20:19).


I have realized a couple of reasons why people gossip.  These reasons of course are not exhaustive, there definitely could be more.  Let me share them with you.


1.  Some people gossip because they literally have nothing else to do.  Some people's lives are so uneventful that they get enjoyment out of talking about the events in other people's lives.  If you enjoy gossiping, I would encourage you to get active in something so that you won't have time to think about and talk about other people.


2. Some people gossip to mask all of the dysfunction in their own lives.  Some people have so much stuff going on in their own personal lives that they gossip to deflect attention to someone else.  Its almost a defense mechanism as to not deal with the issues in their life.


3. Some people gossip because they think they are better than everyone else.  Some of us believe justified in our gossip, because we somehow feel that it is our duty to share the untold.  We think everyone should know whats going on and feel because we are not as bad off as them that means we should share it.  The bible warns us that before we start doing this, we should take the plank out of our own eye...The reason we can gossip so easily is because when we look at other people we are actually seeing a reflection of our own dysfunction.


4. Lastly, some people gossip because they have honestly allowed the Enemy to use them.  The bible tells us that the devil is the father of lies.  It also teaches us that it was the devil who first started discord in heaven.  He LOVES to cause confusion, disruption, and discord!  Did I say he LOVES to do it?  If he can use a person to spread information, regardless if its true or not, he will do it!  Don't allow yourself to be used be the enemy!!!




Lets not allow the enemy to get glory by gossiping, but instead seek to lift someone up!  Lets help, not hurt people!  After all...thats what Jesus would do, wouldn't he?