but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
~James 3:8-10 ESV~
Gossip is more than just social “dirt” on someone. Gossiping embodies all the qualities of soul that are opposed to the spirit of charity, the spirit of love. Gossip only hurts. There is no such thing as gossiping that is meant to benefit and build up. All gossip embodies the spirit of degradation, judgment, and condemnation.
~ Kelly P. Merrill – The Finer Points of Gossiping ~
Years ago I grew up understanding the danger and harm in sharing information I had no business sharing. And yet, like any person, I shared things with others. Perpetuating and passing on what others were saying. Today, I have come to understand the powerful disservice gossiping has. Much so where I have conversed with many individuals over the years about how they have stopped attending Church services. No one is immune to the effect of gossip and slander. Even worse, when many of these individuals were called upon as to their reasons for no longer attending service. Most responded with their disappointment in fellowship where personal and confidential matters had been gossiped about, causing difficulties in various relationships.
Regardless of whom we share information with – we need not be the culprit that deprives an individual their anonymity and confidence. The spiritual foundation of all healthy relationships involves one’s ability to keep in trust things an individual shares with us in secret. It is not our place to divulge their confessions, struggles, fears, and the like. What we hear in private must be kept locked in our hearts and minds. Something each one of us want to be sure others are willing to keep locked up when we share private matters and concerns about our own life.
Gossip is a cancer that destroys lives. Prevents individuals from coming into fellowship and grow spiritually. For me, gossiping has strained and prevented healthy relationships from forming. Once a fellow brother or sister is a victim of Gossip they feel they are no longer able to trust in the kindness of others. The sad reality is, as I have personally experienced, is the cliche term: Well the Church and Gospel is true – people are imperfect. According to Scripture – God condemns slander and gossip. There is no excuse or justification for it.
Today’s Prayer and Meditation
Heavenly Father, I come to seek strength and wisdom to guard my thoughts when it comes to gossiping. I know how easy it is for myself to fall into a position of sharing information that I may not have the right to share. Whether I have knowingly or unknowingly engaged in gossip, I confess my weakness and continue to strive to turn from it. In Jesus Name, assist me in keeping in confidence any private matter a fellow brother or sister has shared with me. Amen.
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Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 
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