Gossip or Gospel

Gossip is all around us, but it seems to thrive in the one place it should be noticeably absent – churches. But why do churches seem to be breading grounds for gossip? I think innocently enough gossip in churches may sometimes begin with a genuine concern over a person, a family, or a situation which over time evolves from concern to speculation. You know you’ve crossed the line when you stop addressing the person, family, or situation directly and take your “concerns” elsewhere. The subtly of gossip in churches is that it tends to masquerade itself through those who give the persona of godliness. We wouldn’t think twice about giving serious credence to a blatant sinner who attends church, but gossipers tend not to be blatant sinners. Their sin is much more devious but no less damning. Gossipers also tend to be our friends, people who we would trust to watch our children, so why not trust what they have to tell us? Gossip and its evil cousin slander are despicable sins that demand genuine repentance. Truth be told, gossip is the antithesis of the gospel. People wouldn’t gossip if they were truly committed to the gospel. It is, after all, more tantalizing to talk about others than it is to talk about Jesus. And it requires much less work to hear about the affairs of others than it does to hear the voice of Christ. Gossip is no longer the issue it once was at our church, and our leadership team has wisely made the decision that it’s going to stay that way, because more than anything, we are committed to the Good News of Jesus, not the sordid news of others.