The Fruits of Gossiping

What is one of the secrets of Benjamin Franklin’s success? Once he said: “I will speak ill of no man and speak all the good I know of everybody.”

If we knew and really experienced how much God loves each person, we would stop cursing and speaking evil of others. There is just no point in chin-wagging. As Christians we live in a close relationship to the Father and he loves us like crazy. He gave his everything, even his own son, for us! This shows us how every person is loved and highly valued!

But gossiping only spreads poison. Look at what the Proverbs say about it:

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. Proverbs 18,8

They go down to the inmost parts. So deep! Not only reaches it deep in the person who has been talked about, but also in the hearts of the gossipers. How does it affect you when you gossip? It touches your innermost. Further, it plants seeds in your heart: Seeds of bitterness, envy and evil. It definitely poisons your heart so that it gets harder towards people and towards God.

So let me ask you a question: The last time you gossiped about someone, what good did it bring? Did it make your situation or the circumstances of the other person better?

I don’t think so. I know there is this satisfying feeling after you speak badly about someone you think deserves it. But in the long run, this doesn’t do any good. The short feeling of amusement will disappear and leave you back with feelings of unhappiness, bitterness, sadness and hopelessness. It doesn’t lead to good fruit. God has so much better for you!

Although I haven’t overcome the temptation of gossip, I’m working on it every day and by God’s grace I know that I can change. I think one of the most important parts is the realization that gossip just doesn’t help anyone. Not in our walk with God, not towards other people and not in your or my goals. Gossiping is just death! It doesn’t bear any good fruit.

What if you aren’t the one who is gossiping a lot but it’s your friend? Let’s look at another proverb:

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. Proverbs 20,19

This is hard stuff! Maybe it is time for you to have a chat with that particular gossiping person to see if he or she would change. If not, remember; you need to guard your heart! And let me tell you; someone who talks to you about others behind their backs definitely does the same to you:

Those who talk about others tell secrets. But those who can be trusted keep things to themselves. Proverbs 11,13

Let’s turn around! God has so much more for us! He wants us to live a life in love, peace and joy. God intended for us to live in unity; helping and uplifting one another. Let’s take our place in the kingdom of God and continue spreading his love!

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