Topic: “The Benefits of Gossip!”

RMF’s talk show topics are always ‘Ready Salted!’ They stimulate conversation, reflection and action.

We bless God for His grace upon the RMF team Bro Corin  & Sis Delphine Gouede, Bro Tope & Sis Kehinde Omodayo, Bro Innocent & Min Nkiruka Iheme, Bro Kafui & Pastor Seyram Afenyo!

This year’s panelists were Sis Irene Owusu, Bro Corin Gouede & Sis Mercy Nehiweze facilitated by Bro Tope. They handled questions such as:

a) What is gossip?

b) What are the consequences?

c) Has gossip become a way of life?

d) Can gossip be stopped?

We appreciate their leading answers and contributions from the church.

Relationship experts estimate that 65% to 80% of our daily conversations are about other people, so it can’t always a bad thing, right? Also, social media has commodified ‘gist’ and there is enough to keep everyone busy! Businesses and organisations contend with the ‘grapevine’ as alternative sources of information and some ‘benefit’ unduly as active participants.

Phycologists suggest that among other benefits, gossip relieves stress. We believe this may be true of the take bearer, it is not the experience of the person at the receiving end.

Almost everyone has experienced the harm of gossip before. Even if the people talking didn’t mean direct harm, the result of gossip is always broken trust, strained or broken friendship and hurt feelings.

Gossip involves sharing information about the behaviour or personal life of other people, often without the full truth revealed or known.

God’s Word warns us to stay away from people who gossip and to guard our words when we speak about others!

Scripture also uses the word slander which means making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation. Slander can destroy someone’s marriage, job, wealth, and family. The tongue has power and we must be careful with how use our words.

The Bible tells us what words we should speak and which we should not. If you are struggling with gossip or know someone who gossips a lot, study these Bible verses and choose to help put a stop to it.

Examples of “Gossip” in the Bible:
2 Samuel 15:1-7 & Acts 23-16-36

Impact of gossip from the Bible:
Proverbs 11:13 – Gossip betrays confidence!
Proverbs 16:28 & Proverbs 17:9 – Gossip separates friends
Proverbs 18:8 & Proverbs 26:22 – cuts deep

Gossip can be stopped – Proverbs 26:20 & Psalm 141:3

Gossip is about ‘story telling’!
We have a perfect story that has been passed on to us. “Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations.” We have the Good News of God’s redeeming love to share. Let us tune in Good News & tune off Gossip.

Song: “Let’s talk about Jesus!”

God bless

Dupe Adefala

Pastor