Gossip

by

Alberta Fisher

Ask Question: “What is gossip”

(Illustrate how words stated can be repeated incorrectly by playing the gossip game. Start by having a phrase repeated from person to person. They should whisper the phrase to the next person and they can only say it only once. Have the last individual repeat the phrase.)

Scriptures to use (best if used from NIV version):

· Romans 1:29

· II Corinthians 12:20

As you see from the previous verses, gossip is chastised in the scriptures.

This poem by an unknown author best illustrates gossip:

Nobody’s Friend

My name is Gossip.

I have no respect for justice.

I maim without killing.

I break hearts and ruin lives.

I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted the more I am believed.

My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become.

I am nobody’s friend.

Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.

I topple governments and wreck marriages.

I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion. I make innocent people cry in their pillows.

Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip.

I make headlines and headaches.

Before you repeat a story, ask yourself:

Is it true?

Is it harmless?

Is it necessary?

If it isn’t, don’t repeat it.

Before you repeat gossip, one question to answer is: “How would you feel if the gossip was about you?”

We should all strive to be better stewards of our words than to repeat gossip. We should make the choice on a daily basis to let our words glorify God. Is God glorified when we gossip?