Hello Beloved,
I have another secret. Well, not really. This blog is about revealing secrets, gossip, spreading intimate information about others. The bible has a lot to say about it gossip. The Lord describes a gossiper as a “Talebearer”, one who runs, and spreads lies, a person who spreads gossip. Actually, it doesn't really matter if the information is true or not. If the person confided in you, that means it is confidential and they trust you to keep it.
Satan will use your tongue to destroy others and your character. Gossip destroys relationships. Let’s see what the bible says about it.
Leviticus 19.16. You shall not go up and down as a talebearer among your people nor shall you stand against the brother of your neighbor.
Proverbs 11.13. The talebearer reveals secrets but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter
Proverbs 17.9. He who covers a transgression seeks love but he who repeats a matter separates friends
Proverbs 18.8. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles and they go down into the inward parts of the body.,
Proverb 20.19. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets. Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips
Proverbs 21.23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
Proverbs 26.20-22. Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As coals are to burning coals and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are as wounds and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Call to Action:
1. What should you do when someone confides in you?
Pray for them. James 5.16. Confess your faults to one another and pray for another that you may be healed…
2. What can you do if you have betrayed others by gossip?
Repent, turn away from the sin.
Confess, ask and receive forgiveness from the Lord.
Humble yourself to the Lord. Release any shame, guilt and self righteousness to Him and be cleansed. 1 Peter 5.6-7; James 4.6-10.
If you caused any damage to someone with gossip. Seek forgiveness from the person. Mt.5.23,24
3. What do you do when you feel tempted to share a matter to others?
Tell Jesus. Talk to Him in prayer. It is truly liberating. Release any anxiety and temptation you feel to the Father. For many years people confided in me. I released it all to Jesus in prayer and sought His guidance. It is a privilege and truly liberating because Jesus won’t tell anyone.. You can trust Him.
Bonus- He will give you His supernatural peace for the information. What an extraordinary exchange!
Meditate the Word. Write them on the tablet of your heart. It will renew your thinking and strengthen your identity in Christ. Gossip will no longer be what you do, because you know you are a new creature in Christ. 1Cor.5.17
Pray Scripture daily; this will prepare and strengthen you before the temptation comes.
Psalms 19.14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer (I learned this as a child. A great one to teach your kids)
Psalms 141.3 Set a guard over my mouth, Lord and keep a watch over the door of my lips