What counts as GOSSIP?

If you want more I hope you'll consider listening to the FULL answer CLICK HERE - • 20 Questions with Past...
I know I should do a video sometime explaining gossip in much more detail. It's actually a much bigger issue in our culture than I think most Christians realize. Much bigger.
My website BibleThinker.org

[@pastortroy777]

Two good guidelines for Christians to follow: 1) If you don't know the information of someone first hand, actually from them, then you shouldn't talk to anyone about what you herd. 2) In addition, you shouldn't talk about someone's else's problems/issues unless you yourself are going to do something about in order to help them or rectify the problem.

[@robertkauffman8137]

Just to be complete. If you know its a lie, then repeating it is gossip. If you embellish it to make yourself look good or to put someone else is the worst possible light, then its gossip. If you are getting delight from reveling in someone elses misfortune, its likely, gossip. If you enjoy telling the best stories and you take artistic license to be a really interesting storyteller, that is gossip, too. If you don't know for certain what happened and you speculate on it when you pass it on, yes, it's gossip. If you are telling people off and ruining someones reputation in your mind and dwelling on it, then yes, that's gossip just as much if you actually told someone. And no, Gossip is not speaking truth in love as some would have you believe.

[@pastortroy777]

@@robertkauffman8137 and this is how iron sharpens iron. Thank you 😊 🙏

[@ChadBeetle]

@@skippy675 then define it using these parameters. 1. information presented at a level of truthfulness that it is not (i.e. a half-truth becomes full truth, or vice versa) 2. information that you wouldn’t say in front of someone else for malicious reasons.

[@ChadBeetle]

@@skippy675 alexander the great had two sources of information about him written within 500 years of his existence. Jesus had five before the end of the first century, just on the Resurrection specifically. the Bible is a reliable source.

[@ChadBeetle]

@General Civility the Bible tells us to judge with wisdom and expose darkness. if someone is an enemy you are justified in exposing them.

[@kathym8129]

My rule has always been that I would never say anything about someone that I wouldn't say to their face or want them to know what I said. When someone attempts to pass on gossip to me, I ask them if they know if what they're telling me is a fact, and why they are telling me.

[@christopherekong9512]

When in doubt, don't say anything. This is what I needed to hear😌. Thank you. God bless you 🙏

[@EmilyTrytek]

“If you are not part of the problem and/or solution. And the person your speaking with is also not part of the problem and/or solution. It’s not something you need to share.” That was shared in a sermon by my pastor about wise words.

[@politereminder6284]

If you are part of a congregation where the pastor or leader is wayward, you are both part of the problem (in propping up a wayward leader) and part of the solution( in speaking truth to power)

[@madisheppard9190]

I always find myself confused. I often need to vent because there are people in my life who cause me a great deal of pain with their words they say to me and the actions they’ve done to hurt me. I’m confused if my venting counts as gossip because I do get pretty emotional (pretty angry if I’m being honest) when I vent about these people. Even though what they do to me hurts me deeply, I know that I need to give my anger and pain to God, because when I get really emotional when I vent it turns into me saying nasty things about them to blow off steam. But that not only harms me because it makes me think about it the rest of the day, it also puts a bad view of those people into the minds of those I’m venting to. Lord, please help me to find a better way to deal with this. I want to change but I’m not sure how… Lord please show me how!

[@gigahorse1475]

I’ve heard Christian girls say “It’s not gossip if it’s true!” so many times. 🤦‍♀️ I told them they’re confusing gossip with slander, but they won’t listen.

[@politereminder6284]

it's not gossip if it's true. 🤷‍♀️

[@bush3126]

@@politereminder6284You’re exactly the problem 🤦‍♂️

[@gunasaulite22]

​@@politereminder6284true from your perspective but it doesn't mean that it is the truth. Would you say these things if the person would stand next to you?

[@Imfrommars444]

I have this exact question always running through my mind because what if I'm just venting about family drama or something? It's hard for me to differentiate gossip and just venting sometimes.

[@KD-vw3bv]

I think gossip has the intent of making other people look bad and exposing their private life. I think it has a malicious intent and is generally talked in secret.

[@friedrichrubinstein2346]

I'd say gossip is when you say things for the sake of saying it (for example because you're proud of knowing something or because you want to talk bad about someone).

[@GaryoXGaming]

If you vent, don’t expose who you’re ranting abt

[@terryhuffaker3615]

Go to God in prayer rather than venting..Let Him comfort your heart and give you wisdom.

[@blondetapperware8289]

@@terryhuffaker3615 but it's good to talk about our innermost problems and frustrations, especially when it comes to relationships like a breakup for instance. Of course, you shouldn't speak to purposefully make someone look bad

[@phun1901]

Its hard when someone was abused to know what to say. You want to protect the victims privacy, but abusive people need to be exposed because they are dangerous. Kids in particular confuse being told to forgive and not gossip with thinking they should keep secrets about the people who wronged them or others.

[@Bella_Harry]

This is such a good question. I really struggle with this. Both myself and my best friend are having struggles with our respective families at the moment. We come together to talk about what is going on and if we are missing anything, to hear someone else's perspective and to gain any wisdom about how to approach the problems. While none of it is "delicious morsels", more like exasperation and hurt for each other, we are both impacted by what each other is going through. Neither of us discuss it with anyone else, but we also would not say these things in front of the person/s concerned they way we say it to each other. We question each other as to whether this is gossip or if we are trying to discern the best ways forward in our relationships. Any thoughts as to this being gossip or not, are welcome PS I have sent this to my friend!!

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

Same.

[@highlightning6693]

Yes, same here.

[@matthee7785]

i dont think you and your friend are gossiping if you confide in each other for strength and advice. If its just between the two of you and there is no spreading around stuff to other people. i think its just confiding in each other.

[@Bella_Harry]

@@matthee7785 Thanks Matt

[@wandersajj6428]

@@Bella_Harry Just be sure the way you guys are talking isn't out of hate and anger.

[@Melissa-pj4jk]

Yes! One thing I often hear God say is, when in doubt, do without. Thank you!

[@hssIceland]

So God talks to you? Uhm OK.

[@quandaledingle3793]

​@@hssIceland yep, he does!

[@skeptical6307]

1. If information about someone isn't any of your business, then you should stop another person from sharing it with you. 2. If you hear something about someone, and you know if it was about you that you wouldn't want other people to know that information about you, then you tell the person telling you that that isn't your business and you don't want to hear it and you shouldn't spread it. 3. If someone is going through a rough time, you shouldn't get pleasure from telling other people about that person's troubles. 4. If someone shares confidences with you, that doesn't give you the right to share that information with other people.

[@Yipper64]

I think a large part of gossip is if it feels like just drama for the sake of drama, and the conversation starts to feel a bit pointless, thats gossip. At least from my experience, thats what it seems to be. Its functionally taking the place of small talk, but with negative consequences, in a way.

[@moriartythethird5709]

I will say this! There are many sins that don't have an immediate outcome. Gossip in my experience has time and time again led to friendships of mine that have lasted years go to crap in a matter of days. It has become so obvious that I literally get a sense and can predict the outcome. You might be saying then why engage? And the truth is I have found it nearly impossible to avoid. I genuinely go into these interactions knowing the poison but cannot escape it's grasp even when I try my hardest to not participate.

[@cameronsharitz5178]

You cannot defeat this on your own. You need to pray about what your struggling with and ask God for help! I always say dont try, RELY!! The flesh will fail, but through Christ all things are possible! ❤️

[@truthseeker5496]

I think gossip is saying something behind a person’s back I wouldn’t say to his/her face. And something I wouldn’t want spoken about me in public behind my back.

[@zoeyclarks7609]

I am reminded of a time when i was doing a bible study with a few girls. And before we began we talked about our days and God had me realize that fhs conversation started to sway into gossip. So i stopped the conversation by making note of that. My friend who started to gosspit apologized when she got the conviction ams we prayed and moved onto reading the bible. It was beautiful to see how conviction from the Holy Spirit with God fearing people can truly be a blessing as we make corrections when we realize that there is a shortcoming we are facing.

[@jacqjacq5920]

Needed to hear this. Thanks Pastor Mike for the wisdom God provides through His Word!

[@Me-dl1tx]

Edify The Lord with you words.

[@endlessundoneprojects]

The struggle is real for me

[@SDR_Anthony]

This was perfect! I have that same issue, as well. I can't seem to discern what is gossip and what isn't gossip. Thank you for this!!

[@HP-jy1hi]

Prayer answered, thank you Christ 🤍

[@kaelaleedaley]

Your Ministry has been such a Blessing to me, Thank you so much for your videos x

[@eilliwwasniahc]

Asking myself "what purpose does it serve to do this?" has saved me from being sorry a million times. "Is there a benefit to anyone that I tell this story?" "Would I want people talking about this if I were the subject?"

[@HOOTERSMAN94]

We need more content like this and from people like you now more than ever

[@justingary5322]

Exactly gossip is giving a continuous things to conversation that you wouldn't say publicly

[@ronkitchell6061]

Gossip is something you say behind someone's back that you wouldn't say to their face. Flattery is something you say to someone's face that you wouldn't say behind their back.

[@jncon8013]

ooo how thought-provoking

[@darlameeks]

Do unto other as you would have them do unto you. Speak of others as you would have them speak of you.

[@helenbailey8419]

I know I have discussed people to get a different view from people I trust.I also know when I'm floundering on how to deal with peoples evil behaviour and those involved not standing up to them..what has become clear is where to walk away and where to stand my ground.

[@godsstruggler8783]

I have heard it said that gossip is what you would rarely say to somebody's face as surely as flattery is something you would rarely say behind a person's back. We tend to disguise both behind a wall of fake prayerful intent. I have disgusted myself when indulging in it and I am sure that I have disgusted God. He hates gossip, yet it can be so subtle as we justify even listening to it.

[@politereminder6284]

I like this

[@davidhislop2470]

When someone is talking about another to others behind his or hers back. One Christian in a church started gossipin

[@aawrnnc]

I found myself listening to gossip yesterday from several different people. It can really shade how you feel about a person. It is damaging. I regret that I participated in it.

[@AngieWy]

Perfect. Everyone is guilty. I need to work on that. I didn't think I was doing it. We call it "ranting." Getting rid of frustration by talking things over with friends.

[@chrismartin34606]

If I talk about somebody which I often do it’s going to be like a real man talks about somebody on my knees like a warrior bringing their name to Jesus in prayer and love

[@jamesbender1928]

Thank you as always for the content Pastor Mike! I love you brother!

[@Mtthey]

i Love JESUS CHRIST and HOLY SPIRIT and GOD our FATHER All Glory Belongs to GOD GOD Bless you all ✝️🙏🏻❤️⛪ 🙌 halleluYAH 💯❤️⛪😁💯

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

I worked with a guy who NEVER talked about anyone.

[@chrisbean9663]

It's pretty easy to tell if you couldn't sit in front of your wife or your mother it's probably gossip It's not too hard to figure out I have to say that I really do appreciate that you have the comments Activate it on your channel many apologies don't But I appreciate you do it makes me think that you actually believe what you're talking about And is open to conversation

[@dawnbear5160]

Thank you for this. I did exactly this yesterday and I need to repent.

[@darwinmendoza7061]

Here are some things I learned after being part of Calvary Chapels for more than two decades. If a Calvary Chapel pastor trashes anyone from the pulpit, it is true, it is not gossip, and is to be believed. If anyone trashes a Calvary Chapel pastor, it is not true, it is gossip and nobody should believe it. In short, Calvary Chapel pastors are always right, they always speak the truth, and they all have good moral character. Just ask Bob Coy.

[@chronomirageYT]

I don't think when in doubt don't say anything. We should still take action even if it's uncertain because God will pave the way.

[@dustincampbell4835]

Mike Winger is every Calvinist's favorite Arminian. God bless you brother!

[@hanakobe2405]

LOL Armenian or Persian?

[@dustincampbell4835]

@@hanakobe2405 lol oops. Let me fix that...

[@ajlouviere202]

When you have an issue with someone else, and take the matter before the public, and not to them personally.

[@davidvernon3119]

The best form of gossip? Group prayer

[@dropexpectations12]

I can understand this. Thank you. I'm new on my journey to God and reading the Bible, and I'll admit, it gets difficult to understand the Bible!

[@chrismartin34606]

Bearing false witness against your brother or sister it’s just as bad as telling a lie

[@ItsTreen]

Thank you for this!

[@Sledg0matic]

Have you ever been invited to a party, only to find out that the owner of the home where the party is going on never knew about the party until they come home to find their house has been trashed? The gossiper is inviting you to that party.

[@TheEagleChristian]

Damn, so thankful for the quick screenshot of the definition of "morsel" I would have been so lost otherwise

[@lauriemetz3435]

Gossip is speaking evil about another person that not only causes harm to the person you are speaking about, but it also causes harm to the person hearing it.

[@playdoughmaster808]

I’ve had this question I had recently

[@brianphillips5576]

The more you talk about what builds a person the less you gossip.

[@T2Master01]

When you confess a sin to your friend and they share that confession with others for the purpose of inviting judgement, condemnation and expectations that you will commit the sin again and therefore consider measures of protection from future transgressions. That is gossip. Also, when someone bears false witness for the same purpose. it is gossip. Condemnation and unforgiveness of a person is a form of supporting the sin that the person has committed. Gossip has the potential to be more damaging than personal unforgiveness. Love would be to trust you not to commit the same sin again even though the risk may be high. You really should be treated as though you never sinned when you have confessed and admitted repentance.

[@jeffritenour7047]

Thank you for bringing that comment up

[@nicolasreinaldet732]

Another way you know it is gossip is this: you know that pleasure of gossip ? If you feel it it is likely gossip.

[@ladyesther]

Nestle toll house chocolate morsels! Yikes. Those are quite tasty. When in doubt zip it. I'm starting a ministry of silence.

[@chrismartin34606]

Also for the fact somebody’s reputation if it sounds juicy an exciting that people would be interested but it is to affect other people’s view of that person falsely that’s gossip

[@laurynelizz__]

Do you think true crime movies or videos falls into this category?

[@anjieobasa1871]

No because they’re already news, they’re a public events so it’s not gossip. Jesus talked behind the backs of the Pharisees on multiple occasions but it wasn’t gossip as He did it to warn people about the destructive nature of the Pharisees who were leading ppl away from God through their toxicity.

[@stewoe7157]

Hmm. Interesting question. I personally think not, but maybe it could be sometimes. I think it all depends on the way in which it's done. Often it serves to bring awareness and to help victims or family of the victims. I think if the creators stay true to facts, and don't spread misinformation, it's a good thing. I think when they start exploiting someone else's grief, it becomes questionable. Just my reflection on it, I hope maybe someone else can weigh in on this too. I personally like to watch/listen/read both true and fictional crime as well.

[@Bella_Harry]

Wow, such a good question, and I have no answer but a thoughtful pause over here :)

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

Good question.

[@kirjian]

I think finding criminal psychology interesting is an innocent motivation. Wanting to know the nitty-gritty details of people's lives may not be. But I'm definitely not wise enough to know for sure

[@phun1901]

Good people bring good out of the good in their heart. Bad people bring bad things out of the bad things in their heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

[@idfwy5255]

Impossible with the job I have it's so annoying!My mother does this crap all the time and she is more Christian than me!

[@michellegigous8911]

Amen

[@daricetaylor786]

gossip - what you say about someone that you wouldn't say when that someone can hear you

[@willfr8]

When you say it without the person you're talking about... I guess that can be gossip When its something bad... Even if it's someone you dont know.... You know what... Yeah... Just keep quiet about whatever and whoever is thr best thing (not just "when in doubt")

[@CLDJ227]

It's funny that you released this short the same day a series on KZbin from PBS called Otherwords realsed a video on this lol.

[@dawn7784]

It's a fine line. What if you are seeking guidance and genuine advice about a difficult relationship one is experiencing with another. One would share things that could not be said in front of the person in question. Is this gossip or an attempt to better manage responses to personal triggers. I can't see how this would be delicious morsels.

[@kimberly5465]

As far as question number 1, what if they don't stop and they keep abusing you? What is the kindness they want is to cross your boundaries?

[@ChristinewithaC]

Great advice! ❤

[@ghhhjj1583]

If it's not to the edifying of the church. It's not what God wants us saying.

[@guarionex4672]

Well said! 👏🙌

[@JonHammond81]

Be kind or not at all

[@blondetapperware8289]

No.. sometimes we have to say unkind things because to speak the truth when it needs to be heard

[@marcellofunhouse1234]

@@blondetapperware8289 im a worthless and useless human there unkind

[@meganp8766]

Good breakdown!

[@nathanaeldavidAZ]

I have a sincere question and wanted to get someone's opinion. Are two primary elders of a church allowed to talk transparently about the weakness of brothers in the flock if their heart is to discuss how they can pray and encourage that brother? Or should they never ever bring up anything negative about the members of their flock unless it's infront of the member?

[@Elijah-pf9gi]

I’ve been conscious about this ever since the Father picked me up from a sinful life. If another person is hurting you, and you try to talk about them to another person just to seek advice and not talk about them badly, would that be considered gossip? I hate backbiting, and another thing that often happens to me is that one will vent to me and talk about another to seek advice, and they might at one point release their anger about them to me, but I don’t want to push them away yet I don’t encourage it either.

[@jeremyt1917]

3 Criteria. Is it True? Is it Kind? Is it Necessary? If not all 3, probably gossip.

[@shaneleonard7218]

Hearing people talk about others personal lives turns my stomach. Like watching "reality" TV programs. Literally makes me ill.

[@RachelWeeping]

WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP YA THINK I'M HERE FOR MY HEALTH? THEY'RE 10,000 THINGS I RATHER BE DOING. YOU GUYS DON'T EVEN LISTEN TO YOUR OWN RHETORIC. TRUTH IS I LIKE ALMOST ALL OF YOU. I HOPE YOU ALL MAKE IT. KEEP IT'S ALL ABOUT GOD AND NOTHING ABOUT US❤

[@fnumbuh]

What’s the line between gossip and news in the media?

[@imaamericangirl1406]

Good question. Maybe facts about the days events, weather etc. are okay , but the commentary and guessing and mocking is for sure gossip.

[@jamesbender1928]

Does anybody know of any good biblical churches near Muldrow Oklahoma?

[@Thaijler]

I heard a Muslim refer to it as "backbiting." It's basically talking about someone behind their back with no apparent reason, other to talk ill of them.

[@knan75]

I once knew an elder in the church who believed that only a falsehood was gossip. Therefore one could say anything about a person if it was true. How sad. In my opinion, gossip includes passing on information that causes one to think less of the person being spoken about. Of course, we are admonished to point out a brother who is teaching false doctrine. Gossip is difficult to nail down, isn’t it?

[@imaamericangirl1406]

We are admonished not to fall for false doctrine. We are admonished to correct and humbly talk with them about it. We are also called to teach correct doctrine. “Exposing” false doctrine is different from “exposing” a teacher/ evangelist.

[@terryhuffaker3615]

If you wouldn't repeat it in front of the person it's about, then it's gossip.

[@annieb7919]

Confused as a termite on a wooden yo-yo!??

[@luannjohnson1877]

Amen.....dont say it or listen to it.

[@ElectronicHype]

Is it gossip if the other person dosent know the person I’m gossiping about. Like telling them a funny story I had at summer camp when I was 8

[@robertmoore2049]

It’s not gossip if it’s discussed in a prayer circle… “We’re not gossiping, we’re discussing prayer concerns!” I wonder if that happens much.

[@hanakobe2405]

If you pray about it after, then it's not gossip but sharing for intercession, no?

[@BlueyBlack.]

What if youre talking about someone who is doing something hurtful towards you or is doing bad things that you need to get off your chest to someone else?

[@minetime6881]

What about when your talking about people behind their backs to help them? For example, my friend has a ego problem. I might talk to a different friend about that. Is that gossip?

[@davidbarber3821]

Humans needed gossip for the brain & language to develop

[@WhatYourPastorDidntTellYou]

Good advice but I’m not sure “When in doubt, don’t say anything” is very helpful. There can always be a reason to doubt if something Is gossip. Am I gossiping right now about Mike? Sure, that might sound ridiculous but let’s be honest, he probably won’t read this and therefore I’m possibly talking bad about someone to other people without him knowing. Does that mean we can never critique people’s ideas in a comment section? Well no, that would be silly.

[@arrowoflightezpez]

Just don’t share what the other person doesn’t feel like sharing-right???

[@zealgaming9123]

I fear falling into gossip, is it different if you share situations but don’t name any names?

[@imaamericangirl1406]

People can still figure it out eventually. Sadly, I have tried this many times. 😢 I am ashamed of the times I have gossiped or listened to gossip.

[@zealgaming9123]

@@imaamericangirl1406 His grace covers our unintentional sins🙏🏼

[@boithanggangte8526]

Brother mike your looks similar with cris evans🤗

[@abrilrodriguez4771]

Im not sure if what I do is gossiping when im telling these things only to my parents. Am I gossiping or?

[@lorileo4319]

If what you say makes the person you are talking about look bad then it is gossip! Especially if you wouldn't say it to the person's face.

[@nikkichase4440]

Any suggestions for how to respectfully let the gossiper know in the moment that they’ve slipped into gossip and that it’d be best to stop?

[@Bella_Harry]

Really good question. I think it can be best to start by using yourself by saying, "I sense that I am heading into gossip territory and I don't want to lead you also into that sin, so lets stop talking about this". This way you help them to avoid further sin, offer the opportunity for them and you to repent, and can walk away praising God for helping you to get out of further gossipy sin.

[@triciaperry2234]

@@Bella_Harry Nicola how to get back in Christ. I was born again but don't remember fighting and got into sins and world. Depressed and not following God. I got into horrible sins that is trying to kill me I bleed and it stink Stink and feel body breakdown. I wish God had slapped me down .I think I went way too far how to get GOD BACK I FEEL I WASTE MY LIFE NOT FIGHTING AND GETTING TO KNOW GOD .WHY WOULD GOD LET NE GET INTO FLESH `WORLD. I WANT BACK

[@imaamericangirl1406]

@@triciaperry2234ask Him. He has all the answers, He will guide you and forgive you. If you confess your sins He is faithful and just to forgive you your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

[@freespirit7450]

A secret is gossip?

[@LittleMrsW]

There's a reason why gossip is described as "juicy".

[@MamaMia-xn1op]

What purpose does “it” serve?

[@quandavioustinglebottomqau1203]

God saves

[@rhoda4621]

How do I gently tell a Christian friend to not gossip?

[@imaamericangirl1406]

If you do it with a humble attitude than I believe the Lord will give you the right words.

[@Three721]

💕

[@borderlinebrian3940]

Mike, it's Friday, where ya at? Everything okay?

[@sarahfaith316]

Everything is ok! We just ended up having to cancel due to a super hectic schedule. Sorry about that! We should be back on Monday for the next Women in Ministry teaching, and then next Friday for the next Q&A! ~BibleThinker Staff