ROSE AND LINDA'S JOURNAL SUNDAY EDITORAL

SUNDAY EDITORIAL OCTOBER 27, 2013

DISCLAIMER ON GOSSIP

How do we define the word gossip? Is it talking bad about others or just talking about others?  

Merriam-Webster defines it as such:

1gos·sip noun \ˈgä-səp\

: information about the behavior and personal lives of other people

: information about the lives of famous people

: a person who often talks about the private details of other people's lives

 Full Definition of GOSSIP

a dialect British :  godparent

1

b :  companion, crony

c :  a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others

2

a :  rumor or report of an intimate nature

b :  a chatty talk

c :  the subject matter of gossip

— gos·sip·ry   noun

Middle English gossib, from Old English godsibb, from god god + sibb kinsman, from sibb related — more at sib

First Known Use: before 12th century

Gossip is not in the Bible, the following words are:  slander, tale bearers.  It is wrong to tell tales on others.  My question is this:  Is it wrong to present the views or actions of others in order to compare them, discuss them or write this information to others.  

To answer this question we will look at Matthew, Mark, Luke, and john.  Four men, four stories about the same thing, the person and life of Jesus Christ.  Shall we also look at Peter, Paul, Titus, and James to continue comparing views.  Peter and Paul disagreed on what Jesus taught. Did you ever stop to consider why that was included in the Bible?  

I have reached the conclusion that to talk, discuss, inform or write about the different views and actions of other beliefs is not gossip, nor can it be called slander or tale bearing.

Informing others of the facts is informing others so that they can read , pray, seek God and decide for themselves if those beliefs and those actions of others line up with the true Word of God.  That my friends is not gossip.  It is not gossip even if it is about other churches, their beliefs and their actions.

Praise the Lord 

God Bless

recj/LJG