There is a saying that listening to gossip is gossip. How true! If there were no listeners, there would never be any gossip.
Some of us who pride ourselves in refraining from gossip may still have a problem with it. It's possible we still keep ears open for any juicy gossip that could fall our way. We might also shake the tree if we believe another person has some gossip to share with us. This is done in seemingly innocent ways, sometimes just by mentioning the name of a person to another who may have strong opinions to express.
The harm of gossip lies in what we do to ourselves when we engage in it. There is no way we can continue to have spiritual growth if we practice gossip, even as passive listeners. Spiritual growth takes place within us, and it needs an environment completely free of any ill will.
Let's beware of any tendency to say things that induce others to gossip. At the same time, let's tune out gossip that seems to occur spontaneously. Gossip is the enemy of the growth we desire.
It is a real relief to know that today I have no desire to spread gossip or listen to it. This includes things I might read in magazines or newspapers.
__________________
'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Super post, Pappy.
I never thought about the magazines or newspapers and will watch out for those....I guess that would include the internet as well. I come across these "click on the before/after pictures" of celebrities once in a while. (Either referring to women wearing makeup or having plastic surgery where some comments are complimentary and others are extremely cruel). To be honest, sometimes I have felt a little better about my own looks seeing the imperfections others have. However, I am trying to learn how to be satisfied with what God gave me. And since reading your post, I will start to look at those sites as being "gossip" spreaders from now on and steer clear of them. Thanks so much for the posting.
