Flee from Slander and Gossip
From Webster’s Dictionary:
slan·der\ˈslan-dər\
: to make a false spoken statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone
gos·sip\ˈgä-səp\
: information about the behavior and personal lives of other people
Slander is false. Even if we state it as fact.
Gossip may be true or false.
Both are detrimental. To ourselves and those about whom we are speaking. They are also detrimental to those who hear us. Plus, they make us look bad.
Flee from both. Don’t participate in either. Don’t stand around passively while others do them. Don’t be a party to slander or gossip.
Don’t slander others on social media. Don’t gossip.
Don’t believe the lie that’s it okay to say such things if they are true. Or if you believe them to be true.
Don’t allow others to slander or gossip on your social media profiles or posts. Yes, you are responsible for what others say on your posts. If hateful or slanderous things are said in thread on your post – on your page – you are responsible.
If others gossip in comments on your post, you are responsible. You can delete those comments. You can call them out. By leaving the comments unanswered you appear to approve them. You have been a party to the slander, the gossip, or the hate by allowing it to stand.
As Christians, we are held to a higher standard.
Not “Is it true?”
But “Is it giving grace to those who hear?”
Ephesians, friendship, gossip, slander
annemarkey1
I am so thankful to have close friends who don’t gossip or slander. I am trying to teach my girls to not gossip and that girls who treat them badly are not worth to keep
KathleenBDuncan
You are blessed!!
Jen Enoch
I’ve thought about this often…what would I do if a comment were made that I don’t agree with? I think I would use it as an opportunity to share truth, but to leave it as if unnoticed or unchallenged, I know I would not be able to do that. Our social media supposed to be a platform that represents us, and we represent God.
KathleenBDuncan
“Our social media is supposed to be a platform that represents us, and we represent God.” Yes!!!
We cannot leave ugly comments unchallenged on our pages.
Melissa
In younger years when my self-esteem and self-worth were lacking it was easy to get caught up in gossip as a way to throw the spotlight onto someone else. Now I do my best to avoid the office gossip and social media rants. If/when it is around me I try to stop it or let them know I don’t want to be a part of it. This post is a great reminder for all of us!
KathleenBDuncan
My younger self also was easily caught up in gossip.
Oh the things I would tell my younger self if I could back!!!
lacyngo
I love this. Before speaking or writing or leaving a comment ask yourself not “is it true?” But “is it giving grace to those who hear?” Beautifully said.
KathleenBDuncan
I’ve seen many social media posts start with, “This really just happened…can you believe (insert name) just did _____?” Publicly shaming is not ok.
Charlene Bullard - FaithtoRaiseNate.com
Thank you for this. I was in a compromising situation not too long ago, where my coworker was talking about others. I tried my best to ignore, but I should have said something. I would just kindly disagree, yet I never said, I don’t want to hear that. She has a reputation for doing this. I need to stay away from her or speak up. Thanks again for your post.
KathleenBDuncan
I’ve been there myself. I’ve let it happen. About people I loved.
As I’ve gotten older I’m more willing to speak up. Even at the risk of making someone angry with me.
The Isaiah 53:5 Project
Great thoughts most of us need.
KathleenBDuncan
I’ve been guilty. I’ve seen the harm I’ve done. I repented.
I wish to help others avoid the same harm.
The Isaiah 53:5 Project
I have been guilty as well
KathleenBDuncan
So glad for grace and forgiveness!