Words are incredibly powerful: they can both build and destroy. Though we all have the freedom to speak as we choose, God does warn us of the harm that comes from speaking cruelly towards or about others, as “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (Proverbs 18:21)
Gossip is often regarded as a minor offense, and even Christians will downplay it as the “lesser of sins” in comparison to acts such as adultery, stealing, or murder. Despite humanity’s popular belief, God maintains that all sin is the same; there is no sin that is greater or lesser than, and a major reason for why Christians should stray away from gossip is because it is not the work of the Holy Spirit – in fact, it destroys the work of God.
It is written in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace to the listeners.”
Just as God leads with love, His children are called to do the same. In speaking maliciously about others or telling lies, it brings forth destruction; often breaking relationships, turning people against one another, or against themselves. God does not desire for us to be in conflict or opposition. He calls us to be in union with Christ and others, seeking to encourage one another and build each other up. There have been many times where I’ve watched the news and hear sadly of young people taking their own lives due to the gossip and bullying they experienced from other peers. Such instances further illustrate how powerful words can be when said with the intent to cause personal harm and hurt.
God says to us, “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.” (James 4:11)
Just as Christians use the Word of God as protection and defense, words can also be weapons of destruction bringing forth great suffering and pain. We can consider the ways in which the enemy works. The devil will scheme by planting seeds of destruction, intended to tempt us to sin and separate us from God. Our tongues can be of the same nature. What we say has the power of tearing others apart or pushing them into evil, and such deeds do not represent the will of God but the will of the enemy.
The important takeaway in regards to gossip is that it is not the work of the Holy Spirit. Gossiping is the devil’s telephone, and as children of God, we must hang up. Jesus calls His people to speak only Life into the world and elevate His kingdom, as opposed to working against it. So as Christians, let us be aware of the consequences of gossip, and in our lives speak words that intend to inspire and bring unity among God’s people.
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 4:29; James 4:11
