Gossip
A wound that runs deep
The enemy uses many tactics to render us ineffective.
Gossip (tailbearing) is a weapon that the enemy uses to divide the body.
Gossip is an innate desire to our flesh.
Prov 26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (KJV)
Prov 26:22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. (NKJ)
Prov 26:22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts. (NIV)
The words of talebearer are seeds of discord.
They cause division.
They break down rather than build up.
They bring reproach to the name of Christ.
They go down deep into a person’s soul
Strife and bitterness are their fruit.
Prov 26:20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. (NKJ)
Gossip is fuel the fire of strife.
It is destructive and it spreads quickly.
Don’t give place to gossip.
You can snuff the fire.
Lev 19:16 ’You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD. (NKJ)
God knew that gossip was a destructive force.
Though we are not under the law we can learn from this principle.
It endangers those around you.
Prov 11:11-13
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.
Cities are torn down from the mouth of the wicked.
Words are important
If we are not looking out for our neighbors best interest, we lack wisdom.
Some things are meant to be left in secret between bretheren.
God considers this faithfulness.
When is it gossip and when is it not?
The “THINK” principle
T – is it true
H – is it helpful
I – is it inspirational
N – is it necessary
K – is it kind
Believers who continually gossip are carnal Christians.
They tear down rather than build up.
We must guard ourselves against gossip.
Be led by our spirit-man not by the soul realm.
It calls for repentance in the body of Christ.
It calls for the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
It calls for discipline and true holiness, not religioisity.
Will you be an anointed or carnal Christian?
I have noticed that:
Anointed Folks always put others before themselves.
Anointed Folks are always in a state of self-examination.
Anointed folks are diligent not disobedient to God’s word.
Anointed folks are disciples of Jesus, not destroyers of the Body.
Anointed Folks commend others on what they do right, not criticize what they do wrong.
Anointed Folks have a river of joy rather than a stagnant pool of judgement.
Anointed folks are always looking for the best, instead of expecting the worst.
Anointed folks encourage others to greatness rather than condemn them to insignificance.
Anointed folks are developers of people not destroyers.
Anointed folks love people into conviction rather than beat them into condemnation.
Anointed folks free people from sin instead of putting them into more bondage.
Will you be an anointed or carnal?
