Gossiping Greta
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Transcript
Intro
Intro
Recap Series
21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Gossiping Greta
Gossiping Greta
Definition
casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.
It’s been said that gossip can travel around the world and back before the truth can put on its pants.
Why Gossip?
8 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.
Candy example
The more often gossip is shared, the further it gets from the truth.
The more often gossip is shared, the further it gets from the truth.
Telephone game
Often times, we are guilty of gossip without even realizing
Gets disguised as a prayer request
But it’s true, it’s not gossip
Everything that is said should be true…Not everything true must be said.
Who does gossip hurt?
Who does gossip hurt?
1. Gossip hurts the person it is spoken about
1. Gossip hurts the person it is spoken about
28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
2. Gossip hurts the listener
2. Gossip hurts the listener
4 Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.
Once a gossip stops talking to you, then the more likely they are to be talking about you.
3. Gossip hurts the speaker
3. Gossip hurts the speaker
9 When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret.
10 Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation.
The Remedy
The Remedy
1. Guard your ears
1. Guard your ears
Psychologists state that most gossip can be stopped by asking this simple question:
Why are you telling me this?
May seem confrontational
Have you had a chance to talk to so and so about this?
15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.
At times guarding our ears may mean we have to separate from the source of gossip
Smoke detector story
19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.
2. Close your mouth
2. Close your mouth
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
Would I want someone to share similar information about me if I were not around?
31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
The Gossip Trap
The Gossip Trap
Tell Jimmy John’s story
$8.02
Gossip claims, I am strong because they are weak. The Gospel proclaims, I am weak but he is strong.
Gossip claims, I am strong because they are weak. The Gospel proclaims, I am weak but he is strong.
Summary
Summary
Am I guilty of putting others down to make myself look stronger?
Why are people so comfortable gossiping around me? Is it because I allow it?
Have I been sharing things about others that I would not want someone to share about me if I were not around?
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.