Why is it that people loves to talk so much? What is it in talking that makes a person feels satisfied or maybe fulfilled? Is it because in talking we can express ourselves, say what’s in our hearts & it reflects who we are?
Sad to say, when we are not careful in what we say, how we say it and who do we say it — we are not aware that it begins to hurt others. In our talks, we begin to judge people and then speculate, which later leads to slander, gossip and lies. And worse yet, we encourage others to do them, too. No wonder it was written in the Scriptures……,
“…we must not speak evil of anyone, and we must avoid quarreling. Instead, we should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.” Titus 3:2
“Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people..” Leviticus 19:16a
Chewing at these verses, it tells us never to gossip or slander. But also, to avoid people who gossip or even stop them from spreading slanderous gossips.
To listen to a gossip and to believe in it is no different from the person who gossips. Ouch! It is very true. I, myself is guilty of all these! 
And what’s more…,
“…but evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them…” Matthew 15:18
We all gossip in one way or another. When we gossip it defiles our whole being because we sin —we sin greatly against God (aside from the person we gossiped). And God hates sin so much! Moreover, as God’s children, slanderous gossip must never be a part of us because it is sin itself. Unless, we belong to the other side — the devil!
So what can we do to avoid , to stop and to resist slanderous gossip???
“…we must not speak evil of anyone, and we must avoid quarreling. Instead, we should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.” Titus 3:2
We should be gentle and quiet in spirit. Above all, consider others better than ourselves. If we are confused how to respond to a certain situation or how we will live our lives — the only thing to do is to follow the footsteps of our Lord Jesus. We can always ask ourselves the question: “What would Jesus do?”
Like David, we should admit and confess our sins before God if we find ourselves partaking in slanderous gossips. “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 52:10
Likewise, while we are here in this decaying sinful world, we should abide in God in His Word and in prayer… If we are tempted to gossip ouselves or to partake in a slanderous gossip of others, let us choose to PRAY TO GOD instead!
>PRAY FOR YOURSELF.
“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds…” Psalm 141:3,4a
>PRAY FOR OTHERS.
“Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18
Prayer changes us! Through prayers we could counter attack the enemy from his temptations of slanderous gossips. Also, prayer can help us to be more like Christ in our actions, speech and thoughts because it aligns our will to the will of the Heavenly Father.
So, the next time we are tempted to gossip or to take part in slanderous gossip of others, let us ask ourselves again and again this question: “Why Gossip, When I Can Pray???” Then be on your knees….. 
