Gossip: (A few incomplete thoughts by Mike Druckenmiller)

A covenant that we should consider when a gossip brings us a tale is: “If you bring me a tale I will check it out. I will name names, so make sure you have checked it out yourself and have the facts right when you bring it up. And, if you spread it without checking it out and allowing the “suspect” to repent, I will consider you a talebearer and a gossip. You will have to answer to God, and me!

Gossip is a very easy thing to get into. But, it is a very serious breach of godly spiritual conduct. Gossip is a form of Spiritual One-Up-Man-Ship that is so closely allied with the sin of Saphira and Annanias that we should all tremble at the thought of committing Gossip.

Sharing a legitimate prayer request is different than gossip in that the need, (not fault), is shared with humility, (considering yourself as a potential undercomer). It has the intent of limiting the damage and restoration of fellowship. And, or meeting the need yourself or putting the needy one in contact with someone or many who can meet the need.

If at all possible you should always leave the person you are talking to with either a neutral or positive impression of the person you are talking about.

(Unless they are known to present a clear threat and danger to the body of Christ.)

Sometimes our choice of words or even the hesitation in our speech can leave others with a negative impression and in effect does its’ own form of character assassination.

Keep your negative feelings to yourself until you have checked out the tale, and confronted the suspected sin, or otherwise verify the source of your negative feelings. Remember there are three sources of feelings or impressions we receive internally: the Spirit of God, our own human spirit, or Satan’s spirit. James tells us to try the spirits to see if they are of God or not. This is a good place to start practicing the discipline of trying the spirits! (Wonder why James includes both trying the Spirits and the Words of our mouth in the same book?)

Remember God’s plan is for us to become one as He and the Father are one. Any conduct, actions, or speech that fails as its’ ultimate intent to support that goal is contrary to God’s intent!

Read Proverbs 6:16-18 to get an idea of things that God hates. You’ll see that a Gossip is a false witness who sows discord among the brethren and is hated as much as an abortionist, (one who sheds innocent blood).