2 Timothy 2:23-3:5Gossip is often regarded as a relatively harmless pastime, particularly whencompared to wrongs like murder or adultery. Satan has painted talebearing asinnocuous, but if we peel away that deception, we see the ugly truth. In theBible, God lists gossip among the most depraved sins (Rom. 1:28-31).Nothing about gossip is harmless. Whether the talk is intentionally hurtfulor simply some idle musing, the subject can be hurt or embarrassed. A friendof mine decided to trace a damaging story about himself back to its source.He asked one man after another, "Where did you hear this?" Seventeen pastorslater, he finally found the person who had originated the tale. This fellowadmitted he had speculated aloud regarding a situation about which he knewlittle. A destructive chain reaction began with just one man jumping to afalse conclusion while chatting with a friend.Even if the victim never learns of the chitchat going on behind his or herback, gossip still has consequences. The people who spread a tale revealtheir inner thinking: "For the mouth speaks out that which fills the heart,"(Matt. 12:34). A poisonous tongue flows with the jealousy, resentment, orpride residing inside.Gossip has the power to hurt feelings, destroy reputations, and dividechurches. We do not have the right to bring such damage into anyone's life.In fact, God is the only One we should turn to when we hear a story. Thosefacing trials need prayer rather than tongues wagging over their misfortunes(Gal. 6:2).
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