JUDGING THROUGH GOSSIP
Erin Kranz
Today's Scripture: “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28, ESV
Theme: No matter what the judgment, don’t surrender to sin by gossiping about it.
BABY DRAGONS
Our life group is reading The Fight for Female by Lisa Bevere, and one of my favorite parts is a dream she describes at the beginning of her book. She found herself at a doorway about to enter a room full of influential women but stops short when she sees that each of the women is cradling a baby dragon. Some dressed their dragons in fancy clothing like dolls or showed them off to each other as pets. However, Lisa remembers she knew the truth that these dragons were dangerous and here to harm them. Their true nature could not be disguised, and they certainly weren’t harmless. No matter how the women tried to downplay the dragons’ ferocity or claim they were innocent or cute, the reality was that they were dangerous, evil dragons.
HARMLESS OR DANGEROUS?
This dream resonates with me because it can apply to so many things that we downplay as harmless but are actually a foothold for the devil. Today’s Scripture specifically brings to light the danger of gossip. Gossip is prevalent in our culture and often touted as an innocuous way to build relationships with your peers. However, if you’ve been on the receiving end of gossip, you know just how hurtful it can be. Friendships and even whole missions can be divided by gossip. Solomon reminded us of the power of our words later in Proverbs: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits,” (Proverbs 18:21, ESV).
GOSSIP AS A FORM OF JUDGEMENT
Have you considered that gossip could be a form of judgment? When we deem someone’s situation worthy of gossip, we pass judgment upon that person’s actions or even their character. Paul warns us that we are no better than anyone else and are susceptible to the same sins they are: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1, ESV). Instead of gossiping about someone, let us choose to lean into the life-giving power of our words so we can “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, ESV).
Make It Personal: Where do you find yourself susceptible to gossiping? Is it at work, with friends, or even unintentionally in your life group? Before you enter those spaces, pray for God to soften your heart from using your words to spread judgment against others by gossiping. Instead, ask Him to fill you with words of encouragement and grace.
Pray: Dear God, help me to remember the power behind my words. Please forgive me for the times I’ve deemed myself better or more deserving than others. Instead, help me to see the opportunities to bring life and restore people in Your love. Thank You for loving and restoring us even in the middle of our mess. You alone are good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Leviticus 19:16; Galatians 6:1-5
Weekly Memory Verse: “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17, NLT