The definition of gossip is idle talk or rumor. Keyword here is idle; meaning, people have nothing better to do with their lives. It is one of those bad habits that people should find something new to replace with.
Perhaps you or somebody you know has been hurt by this type of sin. There are many ways people can gossip. One is by slander; doing it on purpose to defame or to cause harm to someone or their reputation. Another is by rumor; news that may or may not be true circulating around an area. There’s also dissing, backbiting — whatever you call it, it is just not a good thing.
How does it happen?
There are always three people involved in a gossip: the gossiper, the listener, and the victim who is not around. When you hear something about someone, you are becoming part of this vicious cycle. Even though you may not say anything about it, you participated in gossip through listening, and therefore, encouraging the gossiper to spread more tales.
Do your best to keep out of the circle of gossip. Do not be the gossiper, do not spread that which is false against thy neighbor or speak ill of them. Don’t be the listener, do not tolerate the spread of these reports, you are also tainted if you listen. What if you are the victim? Usually, this is something that we cannot control when people talk about us, but what matters if we are in this position is how we act upon it. Do not let your anger or sorrow overcome you. Instead, continue to do good and keep on striving.
Prove to be a worthy disciple of Christ and strive to cease such practice.
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” (James 1: 26)
