Gossip V Grace

1. Introduction

Hey everyone! Today, I want to talk about something we all encounter in our daily lives – gossip. You know that little chatter that can sadden, hurt, even destroy someone. And we’ll look at how it stands in stark contrast to grace. So, let’s dive in!

Imagine a church community where someone notices a young couple arguing after service. Rather than approaching them with care or offering support, a person shares the story with another member, saying:

"Did you see Sarah and James fighting? I think their marriage might be in trouble. It's so sad, but honestly, I always thought they rushed into it."

By the next day, the story has been exaggerated and spread:

"Did you hear about Sarah and James? They’re on the brink of divorce!"

What started as a moment of vulnerability for the couple has turned into a harmful rumour that could cause pain, misunderstanding, and division.

Turn to Ephesians 4:29 – "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

2. Understanding Gossip

What is Gossip?

Gossip is talking about someone else when they’re not around.

It can seem harmless or even fun, but often, it leads to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

It’s like whispering secrets that can cause big waves.

Think of how many times a few simple words spread around has changed how people viewed someone!

In Proverbs 16:28, it says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Wow, right? It really shows how damaging gossip can be.

It is sharing information or dis-information about someone not present, often without their consent or with negative intent.

It can masquerade as concern but often fuels division and distrust.

So gossip is a serious habit – a habit that some don’t even know they have.

• Why Do We Gossip?

It can be out of boredom, or insecurity, or habit.

It might be to feel superior or included.

• The true Impact of Gossip can be seen if you are sensitive enough to look. But sometimes to impact of gossip can’t be seen, because the person effected stays quiet and dies a little inside.

Gossip can Damage people’s reputations and relationships.

It Erodes the integrity of the gossiper.

It can create mistrust and division in a community.

3. God’s Perspective on Gossip

The bible is clear about how we use our tongue.

It can –

stir up trouble

break up relationships

start a “fire” that is almost impossible to put out.

James says something that is bang up to date: Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."

A little word from our tongue can start a forest fire.

And in Proverbs 18:21 we read – "The tongue has the power of life and death."

It’s a destructive habit that we need to lose; and you know from this series that the only way to lose a bad habit is to replace it with a good habit.

4. Replacing Gossip with Grace

There are a number of things we can look to do dump our gossiping tongue with a graceful one. Let me give you a list.

Speak Encouragement

In other words, before we speak, replace any negative or harmful words that are about to come out of our mouths with uplifting and affirming ones. That could be difficult to start with, as our habit could have got in a rut; but keep going!

• Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” consistently uplifted others, like when he vouched for Paul.

• Acts 9:26-27. 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he (paul) tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. (a lot of rumours about Paul) 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

Practical Application: Make a daily habit of speaking one kind or encouraging word to someone, especially those you find challenging to appreciate.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Second thing we can do to get in the habit of Grace:

Pray for Others

Instead of talking about someone’s flaws or mistakes, take those concerns to God in prayer.

Jesus prayed for Peter, knowing he would deny Him (Luke 22:31-32).

Practical Application: When tempted to gossip, pause and say a quick prayer for the person instead. Ask for God’s blessing over their life and wisdom for how to support them.