Sermon Central
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Consequences Of Gossip
Contributed by James Dina on Jul 27, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: Gossip murders a person’s happiness. It is the thief of joy, and it disregards everything that God stands for. It is like a cancer, spreading like wildfire through gossipers.
Gossiping corrupts hearers. When we gossip about certain people to others, we poison them with the wrong things. We influence them to think wrong about people we know and don't know, even though these wrong thoughts are unfounded and false.
In a cinch, gossiping brings people down. It simply discourages people from hoping for better relationships. Speaking of others in this way shames their image and reputation, and it paints an ugly picture of the gossiper.
The Bible warns us about the danger of our tongues when we use them in the wrong way, and calls the human tongue evil and full of deadly poison (James 3:8). Let’s tame our tongues and use them wisely.
6. GOSSIP TEACHES DISRESPECT
Gossip is not only speaking badly about someone your age. It’s remarking on your teacher’s ugly shoes or telling your brother that your parents are stupid. Both of these things are deeply disrespectful, but we all do them. If you keep bad-mouthing your parents or your siblings, it’s going to get you in a lot of trouble.
7. GOSSIP DISOBEYS GOD
God did not create humans to judge each other and point out everyone’s imperfections to everyone else. In fact, the Bible repeatedly commands that we are to love one another, treat others as we would want to be treated, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Although we are blessed with freedom of speech, God’s plan for you does not include a haughty tongue (Galatians 5:13).
When we speak of others and our words aren’t motivated by love, we are being disobedient. Instead of tearing each other down and spreading gossip, God calls us to build each other up and encourage each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
In Proverbs 6:16-19 , there is a list of six things that God hates. What is one of them? “A false witness who breathes out lies.” And what is gossip? Saying things that are not true, and things that aren’t honoring.
Gossip is tempting to take part in, but it only hurts others (and ourselves). It murders a person’s happiness. It is the thief of joy, and disregards everything that God stands for.
God’s plan for us is not filled with evil speech and deceit. We were created in His image, so if we wouldn’t speak it in Heaven, let’s not say it on this side of eternity either.
8. GOSSIP DESTROYS A PERSON’S NAME AND REPUTATION
"The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered" (Proverbs 11:9).
Gossips destroys others with their tongue. It paints wrong pictures of its victims and presents them in a way that isn't true, and often destroys their reputation to the point that people will hate them.
The Lord Jesus knows this to be true, because He had no sin yet false charges were made against Him.
9. GOSSIP TURNS SOMEONE TO A FOOL
The involvement in any sin committed with our words indicates to others we are a fool. “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” (Proverbs 17:27-28). While a whisperer may try to hide his identity, he will eventually be exposed for what he is—a fool!
