"The fool multiplies words." - Ecclesiastes 10:14

Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say. - Ecclesiastes 10:20

Don't bad-mouth your leaders, not even under your breath, And don't abuse your betters, even in the privacy of your home. Loose talk has a way of getting picked up and spread around. Little birds drop the crumbs of your gossip far and wide. -  Ecclesiastes 10:20 (The Message Bible)

Often I am overwhelmed by a deep concern for the church. I feel that much of my ministry involves intercession. I've spent many hours interceding for the church and often carry a burden for her to be spotlessly pure in heart. I believe one of the greatest attacks against the body of Christ today is a destructive force called-- gossip. After all is said and done, gossip is responsible for the destruction of many families, relationships, ministries, and churches.

For years Satan has encouraged the use of this particularly effective missile from his arsenal. He has learned his craft well and has brought down many victims. Like a snake who slithers after his prey, so the sin of gossip has restricted and choked the life from many in the body of Christ.

In Ecclesiastes 10: 20 we see a prophetic picture of the destructive force of gossip and how it spreads. At times we all tend to speak our minds without considering the ramifications. But we must realize there are grave consequences for such actions. The term "birds of the air" describes a type of demonic spirit that anticipates our negative speech, then picks up on our negative talk and, like seed, spreads the matter as far as possible.

Have you ever had the feeling someone was talking about you behind your back? Perhaps you couldn't prove it in the natural, but you knew in your spirit that it was happening and it later proved to be true. How did you know? There are usually two possibilities: 1) The spirit of discernment gives you a "heads up" regarding what is going on in the spirit realm or 2) the enemy is whispering it into your ear to cause discord and disunity. There is perhaps a fine line between the two.

We are warned in Scripture to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16). Not only should we be cautious about what we say lest it be picked up in the spirit realm and shot as a arrow to spread discord, but we should also lift up the shield of faith when we sense the enemy messing with our minds.

Satan will try everything he possibly can to defeat us and destroy our relationships. In order to prevent this from happening we must first realize that gossip is not just a "little bad habit." As a third-generation minister, who has been preaching for over twenty years I've encountered many Christians who don't believe gossip is sin. To that I would respond that I could write multiple books filled with testimonies of victims who were devastated by vicious gossip.

Many in the church today are obsessed as busybodies, gossips, and meddlers in other people's business. They have caused endless destruction to the body of Christ. We have all seen how mean accusations, rumors, and gossip have poisoned the hearts and souls of many Christian leaders. As a result victims become drained of their love, motivation, and desire for ministry. It has split churches, encouraged strife, and divided families while promoting dissention and generally wreaking havoc. "Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down." (Proverbs 26:22)

What we must realize is that gossip is more than a little problem, it is sin--a weapon in the hands of our enemy whose greatest desire is to: "steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10).

The word "gossip" is derived from the original word, "whispering." According to the same dictionary, "gossip" means "To indulge in idle talk or rumors about others; spreading of sensational stories." Funk and Wagnall's Dictionary defines it as: "idle, or malicious talk about others." God's Word is clear that both gossip and slander stem from the same roots as murder and sexual sin. Gossip and slander are close cousins that work hand-in-hand, giving place to the enemy.

If we partake in gossip we do not have a right relationship with God. "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." (James 1:26)

Did you get that? It says if we gossip or slander our religion is worthless. That statement should certainly give us pause.

But consider another reason: Because we are all "walking wounded," our Christian brothers and sisters need our love, forgiveness, and encouragement rather than being destroyed by gossip and unjust criticism. This is why gossip is equal to murder in heaven's eyes. It is nothing less than verbal rape and assassination. Gossip is a cancer that spreads a deadly infection to the body of Christ. In fact, Scripture says we will give an account for every "idle word" we speak on this earth, and judgment awaits those who do not repent of the sin of gossip that targets Christ's bride.

Let me list a few forms of gossip found in the church.

1. 
   
   A busybody - This is a person who meddles in the affairs of others. They are snoops and spies who are always trying to dig up dirt on others. They love rumors and take great delight in uncovering sensational details they can spread to give themselves a feeling of power. They are very clever at how they elicit information from others. They often act as two-faced double agents who use cunning and flattery to gather information while appearing innocent and angelic. Usually busybodies have too much time on their hands, and they go from one person to another seeking information about others as if they themselves have no faults...their phones are always ringing. They are nothing more than "peeping-toms" who uncover private things that are none of their business.

2. 
   
   Prayer requests - This is a huge problem! I wish I had a dollar for every time someone has come to me and  shared a "prayer concern" disclosing personal details about someone else's life. This is nothing more than an angelic mask covering a sinister plot. If we are sharing gossip in the form of "prayer requests" we are only deceiving ourselves. This subtle form of gossip is perhaps the most damaging because many Christians justify this sin as "concern" or a "burden." Busybodies who have perfected their craft appear innocent, but their constant whispering opens the door for the enemy to meddle in the affairs of God's people, and such sin will be exposed in the last days. We mustn't kid ourselves. God is not mocked regarding such manipulation and false pretenses.  There's no other way to say it, pretentious concern is still nothing but cleverly masquerading gossip. And what's more, if you listen to such things and remain silent you are just as guilty.

3. 
   
   Unloading a heavy heart - Many times a gossip will seek you out as a "prayer partner" where they will unload a heavy heart and personal concerns. They say things like: "I'm so burdened for so-and-so and I just don't know who else to talk to about it." The truth is that gossips would rather discuss dirty details than discovering a solution. "A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" (Proverbs 16:28). A gossip thrives on negativity and loves to stir up drama wherever he goes. Anyone who is generally concerned with a prayer burden, will go privately to confront that person and express his concerns. Or he should privately go to the pastor or elders so they can directly address the problem. It's important to realize that the longer the gossip continues the deeper the web is entangled, and the more damage will occur.

When someone confides in you with private concerns about other people you are then trapped, ensnared in the web. Perhaps you only express a halfhearted agreement with their concerns or you become just a shoulder to cry on as you give them a sympathetic ear. But it's important to realize that you are partnering with them in sin if you listen and respond, participating in the gossip. Gossip will eventually mutate from "them" to "you." The pattern of gossip will eventually be repeated, but next time you will be the subject of discussion. And not only that but they will add your name as an endorser to their concerns and use it to excuse their sinful actions. We all need someone safe to confide, but we must be careful that the person we confide in has a track record of trustworthiness, loyalty, and a closed mouth. If this person has a lot of drama in their lives, watch out! A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret (Proverbs 11:13).

Let me give you some helpful things to remember about gossip:

1. 
   
   Without repentance a gossip will suffer the same consequences as a murderer. (Romans 1:32)


2. 
   
   We are held accountable for the words that we speak. (Matthew 12:36-37)


3. 
   
   Gossip and slander disqualifies people for spiritual leadership. (1Timothy 3:11, James 3:2)


4. 
   
   The person who gossips to you about others also gossips to others about you.


5. 
   
   Gossip often masquerades as pretentious concerns for others.


6. 
   
   If you gossip and slander you cannot have a right relationship with the Lord. (Romans 1:28-32)


7. 
   
   If you gossip and are involved in everyone else's business you will not get many answers to prayer and will often have persistent unexplainable drama in your life. (Psalms 66:18, Proverbs 21:23, Proverbs 6:12-15)


8. 
   
   Gossip encourages problems but never comes up with any answers.


9. 
   
   Gossip thrives in secrecy. Gossip is stopped when the secrecy is exposed.

Is There Hope for a Gossiper?

To tell you the truth--I really don't enjoy writing on subjects like this. In fact, I would much rather stick to the subject of intimacy and the presence of God. But I also carry a burden for the church and often feel the heart of God urging me to address some of the issues I see, not only in others but also in myself, for I have not arrived nor do I set myself up as the perfect example. In fact, this article is not meant to condemn but rather to set free. If you are a gossiper you can be free from the endless cycle of drama, broken relationships, and hindrances, closing the door to the enemy so that his influence can be lifted off of your life.

Here are a few steps toward being set free from the sin of gossip:

1. 
   
   Realize gossip is not just a little problem, but is considered just as big as murder in the eyes of God. Admit you have sinned and face it head on.


2. 
   
   Turn in a new direction and surrender your tongue to Christ. (1 John 1:9, 1 Corinthians 7:10)


3. 
   
   Make it a point to stay out of other people's business.


4. 
   
   If you can't say something nice then say nothing.


5. 
   
   Put a guard over your lips.


6. 
   
   Do not criticize someone else except to their face with the intent of encouraging them. Criticism can never be "constructive" if expressed to anyone else.


7. 
   
   If your friends start speaking negatively about others stop them in their tracks and refuse to be a partner in their sin. (1 Timothy 5:22)


8. 
   
   Choose your friends more wisely. (Proverbs 20:19)


9. 
   
   Keep gossip out of the dark and expose it to the light. As you expose the works of darkness freedom will come.


10. 
    
    Report to the pastor or elders only, so that they may confront gossip head on. Gossip should be treated like any other vile sin. (Ephesians 5:11)

"I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin. I will put a muzzle on my mouth..." Psalms 39:1

Steve Porter

www.soakingplace.tv