Gossip

Gossip can be a touchy subject. Sometimes people have differing opinions about what they can say about others.

Of course, Exodus 20:16 says, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” But let's see what else Yahweh wants us to do with that unruly tongue of ours. It should be no surprise that GOSSIP IS ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE. Each of us is imperfect. Each of us sins. Sometimes our sin is only against Yahweh. Sometimes our sin hurts someone we know. Some people hurt many others by what they do. The key to gossip lies in who gets hurt.

The only time it is permitted to tell something bad about a person is when the information is needed to prevent that person from hurting someone else. If the person is doing something that is against Yahweh
then we can very safely ZIP OUR LIP and let Yahweh take care of it. If the person is doing something to hurt others then we may need to tell possible victims, but only enough so they can avoid getting hurt. In any case it is commanded to put the best construction possible on others' actions.

James 5:9  Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! Leviticus 19:16-17  'You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am Yahweh. 17 'You shall not hate your brother in your heart. [Attitude] You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. Yahshua told us how to do this in Matthew 18. He said that we need to resolve problems between people FACE TO FACE. Matthew 18:15-17  "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' 17 "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the congregation.
But if he refuses even to hear the congregation, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

If we have a problem with someone we need to discuss it
with that person, NOT WITH ANYONE ELSE.

Leviticus 19:18 'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am Yahweh.

In the love chapter Paul tells us:
1 Corinthians 13:5-6 NIV  [Love] is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS. Love DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL but rejoices with the truth.

Philippians 2:3 NLT  Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Ephesians 4:2 NLT  Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other,
making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things.

This has been the very short version of the gossip topic. But maybe by concentrating on our attitude more closely we can bring ourselves closer to what Yahweh desires. Let's pray for each other about this.

Father Yahweh, we come before you in the name of your son Yahshua. We ask you to help us to guard our tongue from hurting anyone. Please support your people in this effort. We are weak and often let our tongue run wild.
Help us all to rein it in and to speak only loving things of others. Father, we want you to be pleased with us and we ask for your spirit to dwell within us and help us in this important area. So let it be according to your love and mercy.

May Yahweh bless you and your family with shalom and a good relationship.