{ Cut the he said, she said }

Whoever talks to you about someone else, will talk to someone else about you. Gossip is like deadly poison! It is an infection that destroys the Body. Solomon put it like this,"He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip, (Proverbs 20:19)."

The great Apostle Paul said, "They are filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, (Romans 1:29). Notice that he includes gossip along with murder and wickedness!

Some people are so jealous and bitter that they go from person to person spewing their offenses with anyone who will listen. You don't have to lie about people to be a gossip. Solomon said they "reveal secrets". Sharing people's flaws with others who are not a part of the solution is pure evil!

Here are 4 things you should do when you encounter a gossip;

1. Don't even act you agree with them, it will fuel their fire. 

They will take passivity as a sign that you agree with them. Than they will use your name as validation when they retell their gossip to others. Speak up!

2. Do not take on their offense! 

You will spread the disease. Remember you haven't heard the other side of the story.

3. Confront them! 

As soon as you see where the conversation going tell them you don't want to hear it. Let them know if they have a problem with someone they should go to them (not you) and work it out.

4. Let them know right up front that you are not going to keep their secret and that you will contact the person they are slandering and inform them.

These people are destroying others with their words. They suppose that they have no flaws and therefore are qualified to judge others. If you are passive with these people, you may be their next victim.

_K. Vallotton