Recognizing and ridding ourselves from the deadly sin of gossip'

1
Psst, Dont Tell Anyone But

• Recognizing and ridding ourselves from the deadly
  sin of gossip.

2
Introduction

• Gossip is a destructive mode of conversation
  practiced daily.
• It affects the least to the greatest among us.
• It is commonplace in the world as it is the
  church of our Lord.
• The Bible, because of this, speaks of it and so
  must we.

3
Introduction

• While the practice is condemned many do not like
  admitting to committing this sin
• It reveals to an otherwise blameless person
  that this sin must be dealt with.
• Those often guilty of this sin see it in others,
  but not in themselves.
• Further, it is not until we (or someone close to
  us) are personally harmed by gossips venom do we
  see the urgency of this problem.

4
Introduction

• For this reason we shall look at this subject
  matter
• What consists of the realm of gossip.
• The ugly ramifications associated with it.
• Things we must do to stop or rid it from our
  lives.

5
Gossip From vain to Slandering Speech

• The word gossip has a broad usage of English
  terms.
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary a person who
  habitually reveals personal or sensational facts
  about others rumor or report of an intimate
  nature a chatty talk.
• Synonymous or similar words associated closely
  with gossip tale bearing, backbiting,
  busybodies, tattler, whisperer.

6
Gossip From vain to Slandering Speech

• The Bible uses various terms that is translated
  as gossip (NASB)
• Tattler (phluaros) babbling idle talk of
  things foolish or vain. 1 Tim. 513
• Whispering/whisperer (psithurismos/psithuristes)
  secret slandering. (note does psst come from
  this?). 2 Cor. 1220
• Malicious gossips (diabolos) this word is
  translated as devil or as false accuser or
  slanderer. 1 Tim. 311 2 Tim. 33 Tit. 23 (cp.
  Gen. 31-5)

7
Gossip From vain to Slandering Speech

• Because of this broad usage many do not realize
  they may be guilty of gossiping.
• Some maliciously spread false rumors or partial
  truths to destroy the good reputation of another.
• Others are more subtlewithout the intention of
  hurting another
• Some exercise limited or no control of their
  tongue and spread personal information about
  others that serve no profitand guilty of gossip.
• Some relay information that is incomplete or
  faulty about others and guilty of gossip.

8
The Ugliness of Gossip

• Before looking at how destructive and ugly the
  ramifications to gossip can be, note the source
  of gossips danger the tongue (via the heart).
  Jas. 38-18
• The tongue is the tool that spreads destruction
  (even slanderous) information about another
  person.
• The tongue, however, is a reflection of an
  untrained or malicious heart.
• Thus, the person who spreads gossip is either a
  fool or malicious. Prov. 1018

9
The Ugliness of Gossip

• Ugly ramifications that result from gossip
• A good reputation cut down, maybe ruined from the
  eyes of others (possibly many others).
• Separation among friends. Prov. 1628
• It leads to cliques, which in turn, bring about
  destructive divisions brought within the church.

10
The Ugliness of Gossip

• The destructiveness brought on the person guilty
  of gossip.
• A lack of trust.
• Revealing of a sinful character.
• The wise will not associate (intimately) with
  this type of person. Prov. 2019

11
Ways To Rid Ourselves From Gossip

• Be guided by love for the person speaking and
  spoken about. 1 Cor. 134ff
• Toward the person speaking
• If possible, ask what benefit (for all involved)
  would be gained by receiving such information.
• If possible slander is spoken, suggest that this
  person speak directly to the person spoken about.

12
Ways To Rid Ourselves From Gossip

• Be guided by love for the person speaking and
  spoken about. 1 Cor. 134ff
• Toward the person spoken about
• Judge not, you only have information from one
  person (and, it may not be accurate).
• Pray about the information you received, that you
  can be a vessel of honor to act in a worthy
  manner.

13
Ways To Rid Ourselves From Gossip

• Take steps to avoid or stop gossip. 2 Tim. 216
• Firmly tell the messenger you do not want to hear
  gossip. Be prepared for the relationship to
  change.
• Guard your own mouth. Prov. 133
• If youve received information about another that
  is harmful, pray to God about the information
  just received. Then do something about the
  information, rather than pass it on to another!
• If someone is guilty of some wrong doing, dont
  talk about him, go to him. Matt. 1815
• Do not associate yourself with people who gossip.
  Prov. 2019

14
Conclusion

• It takes humility, prayer, and dependency upon
  God and His wisdom to admit to and be rid of the
  sin of gossip.
• May God bless your efforts in living according to
  His good will.