We don't need to talk about everything. Often staying silent is the best option.
Even if we control our mouths, others may not.
We can't control what comes out of others' mouths, but we can control our response.
- Don't Give Ear to Corrupt Communication
- Gossip requires two people. If we don't listen, it shuts it down.
- Proverbs 26:20
- Don't add fuel to gossip, even by just listening.
- If we have a problem with someone else, we should go to that person.
- Don't stay silent when someone is bad-mouthing another.
- When someone is telling you about someone else, ask yourself if that's something that helps you to know.
- Send the Person to the Person
- Matthew 18:15
- People often try to talk to everyone except the person they need to.
- The gossipee is loved by God as well.
- Proverbs 11:13
- When hurt, we shouldn't spread that to others.
- Don't Repeat What You Heard
- Address the Behavior Directly when Necessary
- Set Boundaries
- Distance yourself from those who spread corrupt communication
- Often distancing yourself from those who spread gossip is the best, most loving thing for all involved.
- Too often we allow it to go unimpeded because it looks more minor than other sins.
- If people are gossipping to you, they're probably also gossipping about you.
- Romans 16:17
- Distance isn't hatred. You shouldn't retaliate, but you shouldn't associate with it either.
If people are gossipping about you, you should evaluate if there's something you can improve about yourself; but more importantly, don't retaliate against the gossiper. You have the same command though—go to the person directly.
You don't have to correct every claim and win every argument.
Tags: communication, gossip
