Gossip- Why it's Risky Behavior

I was astounded to read an article about how some people believe that gossip should not be considered a character flaw, but should be viewed as a social skill. Some even believe that if we are not participating in gossip, we are basically creating our own social jail. So, it all boils down to one thing...acceptance. We all want to feel a part of something and we want to feel important to others. And gossip is a quick, and seemingly harmless way to feel accepted. What's the big deal then? Is God really concerned about it? Doesn't that seem a bit small in light of all He deals with in our world?

I guess we could take an opinion that sweeps it aside and justifies our participation; after all, what they don't know won't hurt them, right? Or we could open our heart to the truth and let it speak to us about how we treat others. Gossip is rooted in jealousy and unforgiveness. It doesn't matter if it's true statements we're making about someone else...it is still an evil practice and deceptive.  We should ask ourselves, who are we serving; Self or God? It might seem for a season, that engaging in it helps our case. Be forewarned, it will come back to bite. This is just a fraction of what scripture says,

Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
 -Proverbs 13:3
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. 
-Proverbs 11:12
The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others...Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
- Psalm 15:2-3, 5b

If we are going to walk in the light, let's allow that light to shine truth to us. Gossip is wrong and it harms others. It harms us more. Don't do it. Don't listen to it. Pray about it. God already knows all the facts, so talk to Him about the situation. He is here to help us.

     Father, You know me better than anyone on this earth. And You know what makes me happy and what gets under my skin. You know that I tend to gossip when I'm feeling alienated, aggravated, and jealous. I ask you to help me during every situation, that I will make the right decision-to refuse to participate in evil doing. I confess that it is wrong and ask for Your forgiveness. I ask you to heal my heart of unforgiveness and conflict, so that I can be an instrument of Your love. Holy Spirit, help me to listen to Your voice, and enable me to extend kindness to the people that have treated me harshly. Let this week be the week of change in my heart. Thank you Father, for watching over me and protecting my life. Thank you for speaking truth to me and empowering me to walk in freedom from deceptive behavior. You are my Rock and my Shield. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.