Question:

1)    What are some reasons that people gossip?

2)    What are some of the consequences of gossip?

3)    What are some of the ways we can protect ourselves from gossip?

Gossip can become a real problem in our relationships because it breaks trust and hurts others. 

We discussed the following questions:

1)    What are some reasons that people gossip?

Some reasons that the young people came up with were pride, jealousy, and to impress their peers.

2)    What are some of the consequences of gossip?

 Gossip hurts other people by damaging their reputation.

 Gossip can also discredit your character.

3)    What are some of the ways we can protect ourselves from gossip?

Do not associate with a gossip – Proverbs 20:19.

Conceal the matter – Proverbs 11:13.

Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth – Ephesians 4:29.

Another idea that was brought up was the difference between gossip and profitable speech. Profitable speech is being in an appropriate position to deal with what you’re talking about, and planning on doing so.  In other words, it is to gather information that you need rather than being entertained by what you are asking.

I challenged the young people to guard themselves from gossip and to be aware of the damaging effects that it can have in our relationships and in our assemblies.