Response to Gossip (Part 1)

The very word gossip could be the reason some would choose to read this article. The notion that your conscience is clear depends on your motive for reading. John MacArthur says,

Conscience. The soul’s warning system, which allows human beings to contemplate their motives and actions and make moral evaluations of what is right and wrong (see note on Ro 2:14, 15). In order to work as God designed it, the conscience must be informed to the highest moral and spiritual level and best standard, which means submitting it to the Holy Spirit through God’s Word.

Gossip causes division, an ignorant trait that God detests. Sin divided humanity from God. We can be certain that when God surveys all He created, gossip is high on the list of things He will discipline. The apostle Paul said to the Christians at Corinth,

For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances; I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced. (2 Corinthians 12:20-21)

As we have been seeing dozens of people deepen their faith, one individual in particular was working against what God is doing. We began to receive reports from several church members that they did not agree with the message being taught. We had two questions, “Why don’t they meet with us instead of spreading gossip?” and secondly, “Where is your fruit?” Again Paul writes,

But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES. (1 Corinthians 5:11)

Similarly King Solomon wrote,

He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. (Proverbs 20:19)

When a person gossips they are on a search to feel better about something they have heard or someone they do not like. There is an idea that has gotten under their skin and they want others to make them feel justified about their discomfort. Recently a man in ministry lost his position and had to begin a new career in a secular field. His complaint was depression but he could not discover why. What was lying beneath the surface was that he stewed over not being able to be in ministry. While pondering the loss he became depressed because he was not in control. The same goes for the gossip. They are irritated over some issue and cannot reconcile it. 

God is the only one who can truly comfort the gossip. People may gossip with you to comfort themselves. If you encourage them in their sin they will not find true freedom. Pointing them to the Lord and to repentance from a sinful attitude is what Jesus commanded us to do.

In our house the kids would gossip about the other parent at times. Manipulative behavior. We would always ask them to pause a moment while we retrieved the other parent. Silence.

When a follower of Christ does not follow Jesus’ teachings on how to respond when others gossip then the gossip will not experience freedom. Christian lingo, cordial talk and flattery masks sin. The Truth is what sets people free. (...if you live in or abide in my words - John 8:32). God’s design is always best,

Matthew 18:17
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Our response to our children when they would gossip promoted the support of the other spouse and demonstrated that gossip would not be met with a favorable response. What could develop had we entertained the gossip? Gossip hinders the work of unity in the body of Christ and the way Christians handle themselves puts their true nature on display.

Matthew 7:18
A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.

Heed the words of Paul. Have we repented from things we’ve practiced? Do not entertain gossip. Promote goodness. Maybe you need to encourage the gossip to request a meeting. Maybe you need to stop them once they begin and ask what is the purpose of their communication. It is never wrong to follow the commands of Jesus. It is the #1 way we can show Him we are devoted to Him, His Word, and His Spirit.

Galatians 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.