Turn the opposite cheek on gossip

Today I want to address an issue that has affected most of us. We

have either been the offender or the offended at some point in our

lives. The Scriptures we will attend to today are for all family

members. They apply to young, old, male, female, married, single,

etc. Today’s topic is gossip.

Gossip is something that is easy to engage in and even easier to

listen to. It is a habit that one may know is wrong, yet once it is

entered into, it becomes simpler to entertain when future temptations

arise. If one does not control and stop oneself when gossip is an

enticement, then it can become a habit; and finally lifestyle.

Gossip brings no good and can destroy lives and relationships. I

feel the need to repeat the latter: gossip can destroy relationships.

The curious thing about gossip is that we can control it. When we

hear someone talking about another, we can politely state, “I would

rather not know that information.” Or we can simply walk away. We

also have the power to stop our own mouths from entering into gossip.

We have authority over our mouths, our ears, and our hearts.

The book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom that will help us if we

follow the truths: Proverbs 26:20b tells us, “Without gossip a

quarrel dies down.” 20:19 states, “A gossip betrays a confidence,”

and 16:28, “...and a gossip separates close friends.”

Here is a little trick I try whenever gossip seems to be slipping

back into my life. I ask God to make me aware before the words are

said. I ask Him to make it sickening to me to hear or speak gossip.

Let me tell you, this prayer when prayed with sincerity works.

Anyone can gossip. But it takes a wise and controlled person to

turn their ears and mouths from it. And if you can live your life

this way, you will be known as a trustworthy, wise person; someone

others look up to, to share their hearts and lives.

Remember, if you are tempted to gossip, just do not do it.

Physically stop your mouth from opening and saying the words. And if

you are on the receiving end of gossip go to your offender, lovingly

confront them, and tell them you forgive them. Become a class act.

Through this kind of behavior, we make gossiping not so popular --

and we can turn another from sin.

* The Rev. KIMBERLIE ZAKARIAN’s column runs alternating Fridays.

Reach her by e-mail at holyhouse9aol.com or by mail at Holy House

Ministries c/o the Rev. Kimberlie Zakarian, 9641 Tujunga Canyon Blvd., Tujunga, CA 91042.