3 May 2015
When They're Gossiping About You (1)
‘…gossips alienate close friends.’ Proverbs 16:28
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Tabloids, talk shows and tell-tales thrive on a
diet of gossip. Indeed, we’re each likely to spread our share of it and
receive our share of it. And whether it’s based on truth, fiction or
bits of both, doesn’t make it any less hurtful. Though society considers
it as relatively innocent, God puts gossip in the same company as
‘…backstabbing…conceit, and disorderly conduct’ (2 Corinthians 12:20
CEB). So, when you’re the target of gossip, what can you do? 1) When
possible, ignore it. People who gossip get satisfaction out of upsetting
you. So the more you get upset, the more they gossip. Don’t react in
anger; that just fuels the fire. ‘Without wood a fire goes out; without
gossips, conflict calms down’ (Proverbs 26:20 CEB). 2) When appropriate,
correct it. Gossip can wreak havoc and break hearts. So if you can set
the record straight you may be able to contain the damage. But forget
about attempting to ‘tell everybody you know the real story’; you’ll
only spread the flames, widen the exposure, and feed unhealthy
appetites. Solomon said, ‘The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of
food; people like to gobble them up’ (v. 22 NCV). Step back and ask
yourself who’s really important in your life, then try to correct the
record with them. In time, they’ll vindicate you with others. In many
cases their words will come across as being more objective than yours.
If the gossip is based on truth or partial truth, don’t deny or excuse
yourself. True friends always forgive and defend their friends and
gossips generally find juicier rumours, move on, and leave you alone.
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The Word For Today is written by Bob and Debby Gass, with Ruth Gass Halliday.
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