It is significant to note, as well, that on all the lists of serious sins.. you know, drunkenness, murder, thievery, adultery, homosexuality, gossip is right there with the others. It also is a disqualifier for holding office in the church. I wish we as followers of Jesus would take up arms against this sin as vigourously as we do against adultery, homosexuality, murder…. and ought to do against abortion but largely do not. It is as destructive to others, and as dishonouring to God as any of the others… HE says so.

Best antidote to gossip is to adopt a strict policy of not hearing it, ever. When Sir A comes round talking about Mister C, THEN is the time to confront it. Ask him “have you brought this to party B already? Yes? Well, then, it should be restored, why are you telling ME? No? Why are you disobedient to Jesus’ clear commands in Matthew 18? Oh, so Sir A is “needing counsel” as to how to “deal with it” for Mister C’s benefit? Fine.. remind him of Jesus’ words in Matthew 18 and send him right on over to Party B. He KNOWS what to do. And, whenever I require counsel to deal with a sticky situation, it is quite easy to go to elders, etc, tell the tale WITHOUT mentioning any names or specifics that would indicate anyone else. Trust me, its possible. And “prayer requests” on behalf of Party B’s “needs”… make them, but without names. And few enough details anyone can work out who is involved. If Mister C has been confronted already, and repented and seeks help to “renounce” his sin, let HIM be the one requesting the prayer. It will be part of his restoration.

I have watched more churches, and more families, and more individuals, destroyed or taken out of action by the “innocuous” sin of gossip than all other sins combined. And it astounds me how “acceptible” this grevious sin is.