How To Keep from Becoming a “Busybody”
In my last post I talked about how the world of women seems drawn to the problem and sin of gossip and drama. The verses I referenced were I Peter 4:15 and 1 Titus 5:13. Though many of us have found ourselves on the receiving end of gossip and drama even when we try our best to avoid it, I think many times we are on the giving end, maybe even though we’re unaware of it or don’t think of our actions as being a “big deal”.
I was convicted of this many years ago now. My husband and I were dating at the time and one of my friends and I had a habit of making fun of/talking bad about people. I never gave it much thought since it was all done just between us and (most of the time) in jest. What was the big deal if we pointed out that someone was trying to show off her new “work” to all the boys? It was her fault for being so distasteful right? It wasn’t until my boyfriend had a heart to heart with me and showed me what I was doing that I realized how wrong our little gossipy conversations were. He asked me why I felt it was necessary to run other girls down when I was so much better than that. I realized that a lot of the time it was because I felt inferior in some way to the girl we were making fun of or just because my sinful nature made me feel better about myself when I cut others down. The truth is that gossip and drama might be “fun” in the moment…but it will suck you into a very un-fun and destructive pit if you’re not careful. I’m so thankful for a boyfriend (now husband) who was willing to sit me down and show me my sin out of his love for me. Since then I’ve made a conscious effort to detach myself from any gossip or drama filled situations and as a result have quit being on the receiving end of it as well! A great rule of thumb is to ask yourself if the person you were talking about was in the next room listening would you be comfortable with them hearing what you’re saying? If the answer is no then the conversation is best left unsaid!
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. – Philippians 4:8
Copyright © Nicole Elliott, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved
Thanks for the reminder! I deal with gossip often at work, and it is a really difficult thing for me to stay out of, I find myself being sucked in so easily. Thanks for the honest and biblical perspective on this.