I find around the holiday’s people tend to engage in gossip more than usual. Sometimes the holiday’s brings the worst out of some people.

Gossipers preface what they have to say with, “Promise you won’t say anything…”

Courtesy of Creative Commons

But, do they know, that the information will eventually get back to the person their gossiping about?

When I get wind of someone who has gossiped behind my back, while smiling at my face, I want very little to do with them. I honestly do not care if they are family either.

If a so-called family member or friend has the audacity to talk garbage about me (or those I love) behind my back, I want nothing to do with them.

I forgive them, but I keep it moving. Life is too short to be around those who speak ill of you.

I’ve come to the conclusion that those who engage in gossip, don’t have your best interest in mind. They only care about themselves and whatever thrill they get in bashing other people behind their backs.

Gossip is negative and destructive, causing unnecessary harm and irreparable damage to relationships.

The Bible says, whatever is hidden will be brought to light. (Luke 8:17). The light pierces the darkness and truth is always revealed.

The person who engages in gossip, talking negatively about others, is actually causing themselves more harm than good.

Think about it… if you continued to hear from different sources that someone, whether a family member or a friend is talking badly about you, wouldn’t you distrust and lose respect for them?

An individual who engages in defamation or slander of another person, thinks they are not doing anything wrong, but it’s quite the contrary.

Gossipers cause harm and stand more to lose than gain.

Once the information finds its way back to the person, the gossiper is found out, and well, they will never be looked at the same way. No matter how much they smile and act nice, the damage is done.

If you engage in gossip, whether it is casual or consented, please think twice before doing so. Why not start the new year fresh by asking the Lord to help you not talk about other people behind their backs? I know it’s easier said than done, but gossiping is hurtful and the damage it creates is irreversible.

Do you gossip? Have you ever been a victim of gossip by family members, close friends or coworkers? How did it make you feel?