Day Four

Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

What is Gossip and who defines it?

This is a question I've been asked as I started blogging on this topic. The only answer I am allowed to give is that gossip is defined by God. I cannot give my opinion about gossip and say that it is the definitive answer because there is only One who has the answers. He gave us all of the answers in his Word. We just need to look it up.

What is unwholesome talk? God calls it slander, false testimony, conflict, false reports, malicious and lewd.

I'm not God, but what is the condition of your heart when you open your mouth? What are your motives when you start a conversation that is about someone else? Are you building them up? If not, check your words against Ephesians 4:29. Is it beneficial? If the person is sinning, then your words need to be spoken to the sinner alone.

Matthew 18:15 NIV
If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Our goal is unity with one another. Confrontation is never fun, but it is necessary for our lives to be peaceful and as God designed it.