Useful Skill or Dangerous Weapon?

One of today’s headlines on MSN.com read the following:

“Psst!  Gossip may be good for you.  Researchers are saying you shouldn’t be ashamed of this ‘social skill’…Don’t feel guilty – you’re not telling tales, your building relationships.”

Are you kidding me?  I am in shock.  It seems we are becoming masters at justifying even the most cruel and damaging behaviors.  And then, to validate our right to self-expression, we get researchers to back up our claims. 

I don’t know about you, but I know first hand the sting of gossip.  There is nothing “building” about it.  I have sat silently and watched a single person do irreparable damage to multiple relationships in the name of “speaking the truth” behind the innocent’s back.  If you have been on the receiving end of gossip’s fallout, you are probably nursing the same sick feeling in the pit of your stomach as I am.

There have also been times, however, when I have been the perpetrator of gossip’s sting.  Finding ways to justify my own actions, or just completely oblivious to the damaging words pouring out of my mouth in a moment of heated emotion, I told stories and spread information that didn’t need to be broadcast.  Truth-be-told, a greater purpose would have been served if I would have just kept my mouth shut (1 Peter 4:8).

Beyond the header, I didn’t find the remainder of MSN.com’s article the least bit compelling.  In fact, I can’t tell you how passionately I disagree with their expressed conclusions.  And I shudder to think that any of my friends (or unknown enemies) might read the article and feel the green light has been given to say what they want, when they want, with no respect to the value of restraint.

Read the article if you want, but don’t draw any conclusions until you compare it with what the Maker of each one of us has to say about the power of a little tale-telling.  Remember, those of whom you speak are creations of his very hands.  If you have the time, use these verses to spend some time connecting with God, and asking for his insight into the issue of Gossip.  If you’re feeling especially brave, invite him to shed some light on any hints of gossip you have been playing around with this week.