Many of us are hurting people. We don’t yet feel the joy that God wants us to feel. We are still nursing our wounds – wounds from spouses, family, others in the body of Christ.

Misery likes company, and one way we show it is in gossiping. Perhaps we don’t start the gossip, because we know how God hates it. But when others start, we end up joining in. We get drawn into the trap. Afterwards we feel dirty and have a deep sense of guilt. We have said things we didn’t mean or need to say. We have added fuel to the fire. We have made the situation worse, not better. We feel unworthy and project those feelings on others.

Proverbs has much to say about gossip. These quotes are from the Living Bible.

• Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish. (Proverbs 26:22)
• Don’t tell your secrets to a gossip unless you want them broadcast to the world. (Proverbs 20:19)
• Gossip separates the best of friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
• Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow. (Proverbs 25:18)
• A gossip goes around spreading rumors, while a trustworthy man tries to quiet them. (Proverbs 11:13)

Let’s pray:

Lord, show us who we are in You
so we can truly have joyful hearts.
Heal us of the wounds that make us want to wound others.
Help us to overflow with Your love,
healing other’s wounds, not creating more.

We repent for every word of gossip we have spoken.
Help us to build others up, not tear them down.
Help us to love and esteem others more highly than ourselves.
Make us more like you, Jesus.

AMEN!

DLH – March 2, 2000