HOW WE THINK WE BECOMESample

NEGATIVITY AND GOSSIP

If you have ever been around a negative person, their countenance brings those around them down. It is no wonder everything in their life seems to go wrong; they speak it into existence.

I have been around people, (when one normally in the group is not present) who begin to make little remarks about that person. This sends a red flag, because if they do this to them, I am confident when I’m absent, my name becomes the target. This type of individual, not only attacks someone who is supposed to be a friend but even attacks their own, family members.

Most of my reading audience are followers and believers in Christ, so we know better. Yet within the church, there is a problem with gossip. We just tie it up in a bow and justify it to say we need to be praying for the person.

GOD LIVES IN US THROUGH THE POWER OF THE WORD, so why do we use words that tear down?

“For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.” 2 Corinthians 12:20

When we read the scripture above, we see alarming words that the apostle Paul mentions to the people of Corinth, and gossip is among them. Why do people gossip and tear others down? Sometimes they are a person who lacks confidence in themselves, so if they can make others look bad, it makes them feel superior. Sometimes, they don’t know what to say and to fit into a group, so they just start talking about another person. Sad, but true. Our part is not to buy into it and add to the gossip. Do not laugh if it is something that others are laughing about when you know it could hurt the person who is being talked about.

PRAYER: Father, as we journey this path, help us to become aware if we have any negative spirit within us. Lord, please help us to be that person to shed light for You, that even when our boat in life seems to be sinking, we are confident God will make us float! Father, reprimand us if we participate in gossip and slander, for we desire to always encourage others by building them up, rather than tearing them down. In Jesus Name, Amen