Skip the Office Gossip

Gossip, I think you'll agree, is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, if we're honest with ourselves, we know that it can be terribly destructive. On the other hand, it's so tantalising, so juicy, so delectable, isn't it? The Salem witch trials in colonial Massachusetts in the late 1600's began as a few silly and spiteful accusations among young girls. But fuelled by fear, superstition and gossip, those adolescent musings quickly spiralled out of control.   Rumours of witchcraft spread like wildfire through the small Puritan community. As fear gripped the town, more and more innocent people were accused based on hearsay, personal grudges and whispered suspicion. In the end, twenty people were executed and many more had their lives ruined — all because gossip was allowed to masquerade as truth. But how did it escalate? Why did it escalate? Proverbs 18:8 People love to hear gossip. It is like tasty food on its way to the stomach. There's your answer. Gossip escalates because we find it irresistible. We love to hear it, we love to partake in it. Our ears prick up when a juicy morsel comes our way. Our tongues loosen in the temptation to pass it on. So let's get something straight here today. God is crystal clear about gossip: it's destructive, sinful and contrary to His heart of love. Often masquerading as "concern" or "truth-telling", in reality, gossip tears down, it spreads strife. At its core, it reveals a lack of love. So, while it feels "juicy" and satisfying in the moment, it corrupts from the inside out. Never speak badly of a person when they're not in the room. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.