Christians: How do you feel about Gossip? And what do you do when someone shares Gossip with You?

Question

A good name is more precious than gold and silver. When we discredit someone we might as well be stealing their gold and silver.............................?

Answer 1

I dont like gossip no matter who shares it.

Answer 2

I think I understand your definition of gossip as being something said about another just for the mean fun of it. In that case, I hope I will always say that I don't want to hear it.
Then go to that person being talked about and offer my support.
However, when I talk about people, and we all do, don't even lie. It's usually because I am concerned and about them and don't know what to do to help. I don't put that in the category of gossip, but that may be where it belongs.
btw everyone gossips, with the exception of a few who think they don't.
Gossiping can be a way to feel better than the other two involved. One because they are the subject, and two because they don't know yet.

Blessed Be

Answer 3

Gossip comes in two forms. Personal interest in other peoples lives e.g. "and how's so and so's Dad now, I heard he's been sick." Of course there's nothing wrong with that, but idle gossip and the revealing of confidential talk of others can be very damaging. Often facts are wrong, presumptions are delivered as facts, opinions are formed on inaccurate information that's not anyone's business anyway. Gossip can destroy a person's reputation, even when people find out the truth already doubt has been placed in the minds of the listeners. IT IS SO WRONG TO GOSSIP and those who listen to it only encourage it. Change the subject in a loving way, choose not to be close associates with gossip mongers, you know they will gossip about you and reveal back your comments on things, maybe in a twisted way...Dangerous Stuff! 1Tim 5:13 instructs "At the same time they (some women) also learn to be unoccupied, gadding about to the houses, not only unoccupied, but also gossipers and meddlers in other people's affairs, talking of things they ought not."

Answer 4

I have to admit, I love a good story now and then...but if it is truly Gossip and is in anyway attacking a persons character I smile and walk away..literally..Gossiping is wrong especially when it is unfounded, I have heard many things about many people, and I usually just ask them..I never say so and so said this or that, I just say hey I heard this is this true?? I know I do not want to be gossiped about so I do my best to avoid it... I know that I just moved 1000 miles away, and I kept hearing rumors that I was suing my old job and this and that, I actually called two people I knew that liked to talk and told them the real story...and that I wasn't suing and if my ex employer said it again, I just may sue for defamation of character...needless to say the rumor stopped (I wouldn't have sued anyway=)

Answer 5

I don't like it, Its just a way of hurting another person. I always step back and take a good long look at the person trying to share the Gossip. I usually don't say anything I just walk off. Or I say something like, so you think thats funny, HUH. It just doesn't have the same effect that they were originally hoping for, their looking for someone to join in with them. You know things aren't always the way they look on the outside. And who knows if it were them in that position, what makes them think they would have done things differently or made a better decision. God hates gossip...............because it hurts.

Answer 6

Gossip is a sin.
Romans 1:29-32
Proverbs 16:25-28
2 Tim 3

Gossip is the spreading of a usually malicious report of someone.The story isn't checked out.Each person usually adds alittle enticing tidbits and leaves some parts of the story out (no matter).

Answer 7

I absolutly despise gossip.
It is the breaking of the 8th Commandment!
We are to protect our neighbor's good name!
I am not saying that I walk in this perfectly I am quick to repent when it is pointed out.
Usually when a friend starts to gossip I will either change the subject or point out something good about the one being gossiped about. Other times I have been known to outright reprove someone engaging in this behaviorand restore them to their upright behavior.

Answer 8

That is where most Christians fall I am also tempted in that area. If you know for sure that it was true....the Bible says you should not speak about it even in secret. Also watch what you say for a little bird will carry it away and someone will find out.Romans 16:17-18. Guard against those that cause divisions in the church. James 1:26 Your service is worthless if you can not bridle your tongue. Proverbs 17:9 He that covers and forgives a offense seeks love.But he that repeats and harps on a matter can separate even friends.

Answer 9

Gossip is not constructive, it is destructive rumor...not fact.
Gossip is a triple-edged sword. It cuts three ways.
It harms the person it is unjustly directed at. It hurts the one who starts it and the person(s) who passes it along.

I do not put any faith in rumor or gossip...more times than not it is proven to be false information and thereby hurts or destroys the name and reputation of everyone involved.

I want no part of that.

Answer 10

This was one of the hardest sins to overcome, when I became a new Christian, I have never liked nasty gossip, but just about all of us, at some stage in our lives, if we are being truly honest, have enjoyed hearing "the latest" about someone's life, without knowing for sure whether it was true or not.
Now, I just walk away if its within a group of people, or its its one on one, I just say, are you going to say something kind and positive about this person? if the answer is - well!!!!.... or Umm well noooo.......... or indicating no, I just make it clear I don't want to hear, and also suggest that repeating it to anyone else is a very unkind thing to do....

Answer 11

I hear gossip all the time. I try to redirect the conversation. I am not always successful. I don't believe in spreading gossip.