HOW TO RESPOND TO GOSSIP?

HOW TO RESPOND TO GOSSIP?

 {When one is speaking it to you and or about you and if it is you.}

http://theabujainquirer.com/17/cartoon-people-gossiping

  Maybe plug your ears and go blah, blah, saying; "I can't hear you." Um, no --- just gently say; "I am sorry, let's just change the subject please; this individual isn't here and I am not comfortable talking about him or her."

  If it continues, firmness is a must --- but I am of the belief we can still be gentle. Tell the person chattering; "Since so-n-so is not here, I think we need to let them in on this conversation or stop talking about them all together."

  Sometimes, the painfulness of gossip is being the one talked about, as well as the other person listening allowing the strife to be poured into their soul.

  Gossip has been legitimize under the disguise of a prayer request, or someone saying they are concerned about an other or sharing they have been hurt by this person and then proceeds to gossip.  It amazes me how this is still a major issue in the world we live (and in the Body of Christ). Everyone who reads this has been a victim of this UGLY & POISONOUS colloquy. The pain digs deep, especially when it's someone you once trusted and that person continues to spread this 'yuk'.

  Yet there is always hope, be of good cheer! By  first asking God to start with numero uno; determining  to not to ever be a vessel of gossip, even if  it's you or I being talked about. Refraining from gossip as a retort takes great strength that only God can give.

  Then, with God's grace, talk with that person of whom has talked about you. Ask the Lord for favor, and for that person to be open and listen. Communication is vital, for healing.

  I always ask the Lord to shut the mouths of the lions and to protect us from the twisted lies, then our hearts, reputation and testimony. The enemy of our souls wants to defame all of this. Thus, recognize where the GOSSIP comes from; when we do we can pray against it with great authority.

  WHY AM I TYPING ABOUT THIS? I have seen this my entire life and how it has hurt many people. I have observed several leave the church because of it, Pastors leave the ministry, also watch people put in prison (literally & figuratively) because of this. This is one way we can help free those that are bound: by NOT BEING COMPELLED TO GOSSIP NO MATTER WHAT.  As one who loves our Lord and people, I long to see others walk in the freedom God has for all the world to encompass. Gossip, and being gossiped about leads to a dark imprisoned life of misery and bondage.

  So, the question; "How to respond to gossip?" Ask Jesus first to comfort your heart if you are the victim /then forgive he or she that has hurt you. Next ask for forgiveness, if you are the defendant.  Then, go to the person who hurt you and just simply ask, "Why?"  Also, just fill your heart and mind with God's Word on His forgiveness toward us. "Father forgive them...." [Lu. 23:34]

 Lastly, ask the Lord to make our heart speak pure love, gently laced with true compassion and with unselfish gain.

  "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matt. 12:33-37; cf. Luke 6:43-45).

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Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

 Terry Enns

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” (Eph 4:29)