Sermon on Gossip in the Church

Brothers and sisters, let us turn our hearts and minds to a grave matter, a subtle yet devastating force that erodes the very foundation of our community: gossip.

We gather as the body of Christ, a family bound by love and faith. Yet, within our ranks, a silent poison can spread, fracturing unity and hindering our witness. Let us examine the destructive nature of gossip and how we can guard against it.

1. Gossip is a Tool of Destruction (Proverbs 16:28)

"A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends." Proverbs 16:28 paints a stark picture. Gossip is not idle chatter; it is a weapon, a tool of destruction wielded by the perverse. It sows discord, breaks down trust, and tears apart the fabric of relationships. It is a fire that, once kindled, spreads rapidly, leaving a trail of hurt and division.

2. God Hates a Tongue That Sows Strife Among Brothers (Proverbs 6:16,19)

"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." Proverbs 6:16,19 clearly states God's abhorrence for those who stir up strife. Gossip, often fueled by lies and half-truths, is a direct affront to God's desire for unity and peace within His church.

3. Gossip Is a Reflection of an Impure Heart (Luke 6:45)

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Luke 6:45 reveals the root of gossip: an impure heart. The words we speak are a reflection of our inner selves. A heart filled with bitterness, envy, or malice will inevitably produce words that wound and divide.

4. Gossip Is a Hindrance to Fellowship and Unity (Psalm 133:1)

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" Psalm 133:1 celebrates the beauty of unity. Gossip directly contradicts this divine ideal. It creates an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust, hindering genuine fellowship and preventing us from experiencing the fullness of God's presence.

5. A Gossiper Does Not Stand in God’s Church (Psalm 101:7)

"No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence." Psalm 101:7 speaks of the character of those who dwell in God's house. Gossip, often intertwined with deceit and falsehood, has no place in the church. Those who engage in it cannot truly stand in God's presence.

6. He Who Controls His Tongue Demonstrates Spiritual Maturity (James 3:2)

"Indeed, we all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what they say, he is a perfect person, able to keep their whole body in check." James 3:2 highlights the difficulty of controlling the tongue. It is a mark of spiritual maturity to restrain our words, to speak only what is true and beneficial.

7. We Should Speak Only What Edifies (Ephesians 4:29)

"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 sets the standard for our speech. Our words should be used to edify, to build up, to encourage. Gossip, on the other hand, tears down and destroys.

8. The Church Should Correct and Exhort Those Who Gossip (Matthew 18:15)

"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Matthew 18:15 outlines the process for addressing sin within the church. Gossip, as a destructive force, must be confronted. We are called to lovingly correct and exhort those who engage in it, seeking their restoration and the preservation of unity.

9. Gossip Gives Place to the Devil (Ephesians 4:27)

"and do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:27 warns us against giving the devil a foothold. Gossip, with its roots in deception and division, provides fertile ground for the enemy to work. It allows him to sow seeds of discord and undermine the church's witness.

10. The Danger of Gossip and the Importance of Unity in the Church (Proverbs 18:7-8)

"A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts of the body." Proverbs 18:7-8 exposes the devastating consequences of gossip. It ensnares the gossiper and poisons the hearts of those who listen. We must recognize the danger of gossip and strive to cultivate a culture of love, unity, and edification within our church.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, let us commit to guarding our tongues, to speaking only what is true and beneficial. Let us cultivate hearts of love and forgiveness, refusing to participate in the destructive cycle of gossip. Let us strive for the unity that Christ desires, that we may be a light to the world and a testament to His love. Amen.

Sermon on Gossip in the Church