PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR OVERCOMING SIN OF GOSSIP.

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR OVERCOMING SIN OF GOSSIP.

A. If you can't say something good about someone, say nothing (Rom. 12:10).

B. Keep private matters private (Prov. 11:13; 25:9-10).

C. Watch out for places & situations where gossip is likely to happen. (Friends ... family dinner table ... Life-Support Groups where you're "sharing concerns" ... group after church in home/restaurant).

D. Do not allow gossip to go unchallenged. (Various approaches)

1. Constructive: "Now, how can we help this person?"
2. Subtle: Smile sweetly & say, "I'm feeling very uncomfortable with this conversation."
3. Matt. 18:15: "Have you gone to speak with this person privately?"
4. Concerned: "If njokwu knew we were talking about them like this they'd be real hurt!"

E. When talking about others, always ask yourself the question, "Am I gossiping?"

1. Are you talking about ways to help this person ... or just talking?
2. Is this person being lifted up or torn down as we talk?
3. Would I be comfortable if this person were to walk in on our conversation? Would I stop talking?
(Chinese proverb: "Speak only well of people and you need never whisper.")

Note friends
1. There are going to be times when we will have to speak about someone who is not present.

LET US PRAY
DEAR LORD JESUS
help us to always speak of that person in the best possible light. And put a watch on all of our tongues so we may avoid the sin of gossip.

Share this meal
Good morning friends