Gossip

INSTRUCTIONS: Read Ephesians 4:14-16 with your group. On a circular piece of cardstock paper, write, "Jesus." Instruct the kids to write their names on a nameplate. Gather all the nameplates and connect them with brass fasteners to the "Jesus" piece like a paper stick figure or skeleton. Have you ever laughed at someone who made a mistake and then told a friend about it? The problem with telling stories is that everyone has their own version, so the truth gets lost a lot of times. This Bible passage tells us that one way we grow up and mature as people who love God is, "speaking truth in love." That means that we have to listen for the truth about God and others instead of dwelling on hearsay or creating opportunities for gossip. But it's not enough for you to do this all by yourself. The Bible also tells us that we are members of one body, and we are all connected to each other, just as we are connected to God. Each time we honor the truth and forgive others, we help build up and strengthen the whole body where Jesus is the head!

Have you ever laughed at someone who made a mistake and then told a friend about it?

Like when Johnny peed his pants at school and you told your friend about it? Or let me ask you this…Have you ever told someone something about someone else that you weren’t even sure was true?

Like when Johnny spilled paint all over his clothes in art class?

Let me ask you this…is it okay to talk about others behind their back? Do you know what that’s called? It’s called gossip!

Last week we talked about the Body of Christ and how we all have a place in it! We have different gifts and talents and God wants us each to be a part. I want to read you another verse from the book of Ephesians. It says this:

New International Reader’s Version Chapter 4

14We will no longer be babies in the faith. We won’t be like ships tossed around by the waves. We won’t be blown here and there by every new teaching. We won’t be blown around by the cleverness and tricks of people who try to hide their evil plans. 15Instead, we will speak the truth in love. We will grow up into Christ in every way.

You’re growing each and ever day. One day the shoes you’re wearing won’t fit anymore. Soon you’ll have to get longer pants and bigger shirts. You’re growing and maturing each and every day.

Did you know that , just like your bodies, God wants you to be mature in your spiritual life!

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians says you should no longer be babies in the faith. We should be growing in our relationship with Jesus. The more we grow and mature in our relationship with Jesus, the less we are tossed around by the waves of life. We won’t be blown here and there by everthing that comes our way. We won’t be upset by the things that other people say to us. Instead, Paul says, the more we mature in our faith and grow, the more we will speak truth in love!

It means we won’t gossip anymore. But instead, we only speak the truth. How do we grow?