Volume 7
September 4,2016
Number 18
In every relationship, in every interaction, in every group there is always the potentiality for good and the potentiality for bad. Things will be good as long as every individual in the said relationship, interaction, or group behaves properly. But because we are humans, we all tend to, at least some of the time, behave in a way that is less than proper. And when we do this, the result will inevitably be negative. What is more, we each are prone to certain tendencies, and under the right circumstances fall prey to specific sinful behaviors. These are not necessarily the same for every person. What one tends to struggle with may have little or no effect on someone else. That individual may have an entirely different problem with which he battles. One, for example, may have a tendency to become explosively angry. Another, when confronted with the same circumstances, may be more prone to ignore, avoid or make excuses. But one such problem that appears to be more common, especially among groups of people, is the tendency to become involved in gossip.
We often talk about gossip. We all know that it is wrong and detrimental to our relationships with one another (Proverbs 16:28; 26:17-22). We all know that it is something to be avoided (Proverbs 20:19). And yet, we still struggle with this issue. I believe one of the reasons for this is because we do not properly understand what exactly constitutes gossip (i.e. what gossip is), and as a result we end up doing it without even realizing that is what we are doing.
Over the course of the next several articles we will attempt to explore this crucial topic. We will try to concretely define what is and is not gossip. We will correct some common misconceptions that people hold about what constitutes gossip. We will try to understand why sometimes it is wrong to talk about things, while at other times it is necessary to talk about those things. All of this will be done in an effort to lead us to the critical issue or question of: “When I see sinful behavior in my brethren, how do I address that issue, in an effort to bring about repentance and change, while making sure that I avoid gossiping about them?”
Why is it so bad to gossip? In short, gossip prevents unity and harmony, because it fosters discord and division. “A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends” (Proverbs 16:28). Those who gossip have the potential, through their actions, to drive wedges between the closest of friends (cf. Proverbs 17:9). “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down. Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body” (Proverbs 26:20-22). The “whisperer” (i.e. the one who gossips) fuels contention (i.e. arguments, disputes, and disharmony). The “contentious man” (i.e. the one stirring up contention) stirs up strife (i.e. trouble, conflict and friction).
Whenever there is gossiping within a group, an atmosphere is created where people are afraid to share their feelings, thoughts, and struggles. As a result people who need help do not seek help, because they dare not trust anyone with their struggle for fear that their issues will become the next piece of juicy gossip spread throughout the group. And because no help is sought, no help is given. And because no help is given, and those who are struggling with sin are left alone isolated with their problem, they are soon overcome by sin and lost.
Gossiping works in the opposite direction of the goal of “watching out for the spiritual well-being of our brethren”, something that we are instructed to do (cf. Hebrews 12:12-16 & 3:12-13). If we are going to succeed at this good work, we are going to have to create an environment where brethren can be real and vulnerable with one another. If we are really interested in helping to “strengthen the hands that are weak and the feet that are feeble” then we are going to have approach the problem of sin in a careful and gentle manner, using discretion and following the pattern given to us in Scripture, so that real healing can take place and souls can be rescued from destruction. Gossiping about sinful behavior (whether it’s real or imagined) will not achieve this honorable goal. It will do the exact opposite. It will prevent it from being realized. -J.L.
Note from the Editor:
Nearly 2 years ago, I presented a series of lessons related to the topic of Gossip. I do not pretend to have all the answers or even to understand all of the questions that people may have about this particular issue. However, having looked over the material I had presented in the past I wanted to share it again, this time in a format that could be easily referenced and studied. At the outset of this endeavor, not knowing how much space will be required to present this study in its entirety, I do not know how many articles this series will contain. I do know, however, because of the complexity and depth of this particular issue, one article would not do it justice. And so, I would like to encourage you all to follow along with this series of articles, studying and verifying what is presented in them, measuring them by standard of the Word. I pray that much good will be accomplished as we strive to get a better handle on this very crucial topic. And after all, as the stated purpose of this bulletin has always been to promote and “encourage further study of the Word of God”, I hope that this series of articles on this somewhat unpleasant and touchy issue will do just that: encourage us to dive into God’s Word and apply ourselves to a diligently study of it.
Sincerely, Josh Liggin
This bulletin is being published for the purpose of encouraging a further study of the Word of God. Editor – Josh Liggin
Want to get into touch check out our Contact Us page