How easy it is to talk badly of others. Though we all fall short, it is easy to point the finger on someone else’s shortcomings. It is also easy to create assumptions about others too. I have even heard lies said, just for boredom or to make themselves appear better. The Bible warns us about this, and how we should not judge others and spread lies or gossip. I have found also that when we surround ourselves with people that do gossip frequently, it is easy to be sucked into their chaos. If more people focused on spreading God’s word and less on bringing others down; this world would be filled with more true joy and less hurt. A tongue that speaks ill intentioned, brings forth injury. A tongue that speaks love, brings forth love. For gossip is like weeds growing in a beautiful garden, trying to stop the growth of the flowers nearby. Love is like the nutrients in a garden that help us to thrive. Friend, if you find yourself gossiping or being amidst it, I pray you the courage to walk away from such behavior. I pray you take no heed in such things. Whatever you think needs to be said, may you pray for the person and situation and leave it to God. For ill intentioned chatter never did anyone any good. May we choose to spend our energy spreading kindness and God’s love to all!

Erin Fitts-Brower

Proverbs 16:28 NIV

A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:4 NIV

A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.