The Destruction of Gossip | Healthy Habit Killers | Pastor Johnny Mitcham
Healthy Habit Killers
The Destruction of Gossip
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Galatians 5:16-17 NIV
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”John 10:10 NIV
7 Deadly Sins (Habit Killers): They are considered attitudes or habits that lead to further sin and separation from God.
“The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. Haven’t I already warned you that those who use their “freedom” for these things will not inherit the kingdom realm of God!” Galatians 5:19-21 TPT
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” Proverbs 18:8 NIV
Identifying Gossip
1. The Conversation Shares Information That Isn’t Yours to Share
2. The Tone Is Judgmental or Demeaning
3. You Wouldn’t Say It the Same Way in Front of the Person
Soul Tattoo: What you spread will either plant life or poison the soil of your relationships.
“Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
The Dangers of Gossip
1. Gossip Destroys Relationships
• Proverbs 16:28 – “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
2. Gossip Damages Our Character
• “The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6NIV)
3. Gossip Displeases God
• lists six things the Lord hates—one of them is “a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV)
How to Politely Shut Gossip Down
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
(Matthew 5:9NIV)
1. Change the Subject: “Hey, let’s talk about something positive.”
2. Defend the Absent Person: “I don’t think they’d want us discussing this without them.”
3. Redirect to Prayer: “Instead of talking about them, let’s pray for them.”
4. Remove Yourself: If gossip continues, simply walk away.
(Proverbs 20:19 NIV) – “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
Replacing Gossip with Life-Giving Words
A. Speak Words That Build Up
• “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
B. Confess and Repent If You’ve Gossiped
• “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16 NIV
C. Be Known as Someone Who Protects, Not Exposes
• “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13 NIV)