Facemasks won't help. Gossiping is contagious

We've all had moments of weakness. We pass along that office gossip about a coworker that we think is lighthearted. But put in the same position, we wouldn't want ourselves talked about in the same way. Falling prey to peer pressure in spreading rumors or gossip is in many ways just as destructive as many other toxic behaviors. The bible addresses this...

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

The Germans even have a term describing taking pleasure from someone else's misfortune. "Schadenfreude"

Unfortunately, gossip is often centered around this behavior. And the bible is very specific regarding these (and many other) destructive actions.

Proverbs 6:16 "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."

The next time you're inclined to fire off that email, text or Facebook post regarding something you've heard that might place someone you know (or even someone you don't) in a bad light, remember what we're told in the book of Titus.

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

And if the people you're surrounding yourself with encourage this?

Proverbs 20:19 "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler."

And above all, gossiping undermines the very foundation of why we claim to be Christians.

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."

After all, we have better things to do with our time.

Further reading: The science behind gossiping.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/11/health/science-of-gossip-scn-wellness/index.html

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