When You’re Surrounded By Gossip
"Besides that, they learn to be idlers, gadding about from house to house, and not only idlers but gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.” — 1 Timothy 5:13
What happens when you find yourself in a group of people who begin to gossip? The first step is to be sure you don’t participate or join in what they’re saying about someone. You may not be able to stop them from gossiping, but you can stop yourself. By your reaction, you’ll let others know you don’t approve of it and will not participate in it. Instead, ask God to help you to be positive in your conversation and to bring up good things instead of things that will tear others down. The Bible says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Col. 4:6) You should also pray for your friends, asking God to not only turn them away from gossiping, but to help them realize their need for Christ’s forgiveness and grace. Perhaps God has placed you within this group for that very reason, to be a witness to Christ’s love and new life. Ask Him to help you to be a good influence on those around you.
