Gossip is so subtle it can just sneak up on you before you know you’re even doing it.
Talking Points:
- A gossip is a person with privileged information about someone who reveals that information to those who have no business knowing it. Proverbs 16:28
- Gossip is sin that hurts everyone involved – the gossip, the hearer of the gossip, and the one being gossiped about. Proverbs 17:4, Proverbs 18:8
- 3 steps to overcoming gossip:
- Analyze your heart. Psalm 139:23-24
- Evaluate the “why”. Proverbs 11:13
- Say “no” to gossip. Exodus 23:1
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share a time gossip really hurt or disrupted your life. How have you been guilty of gossip in the past?
- Read Proverbs 16:28. How have you seen gossip tear apart relationships in your family, community or church?
- Read Proverbs 18:8. Why is gossip so tantalizing to us? How have you seen gossip affect the way you view someone or how others view you?
- Read Psalm 139:23-24. What is in our hearts when we want to gossip? What does it look like practically to let God show any offense in us?
- In your opinion, what are some good guidelines for knowing when it’s appropriate to share privileged information with someone else? What are some safeguards you should put on yourself even when you feel like it’s permitted to share?
- Craig Groeschel says of gossip, “What you permit, you promote.” What does this mean to you? What is a healthy way to respond to gossip when you hear it?
- Read Proverbs 21:23. How do you need to put this verse into practice in your life? How will you avoid gossip moving forward?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
