Gossip
Join The Message Connect Facebook group to be a part of out online community.
If you missed church this week, scroll to the bottom of this page OR open up the Ringgold Church App to listen to the sermon podcast.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 15:18 (NLT) “But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.”
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 16:28 (NIV) "A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends."
Proverbs 17:4 (NIV) "A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue."
Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV) "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
Proverbs 26:20 (NIV) “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Opening Questions:
Have we thought before we spoke?
What power does the tongue possess? (Proverbs18:21)
Why do people like to share their opinions?
What can we do to put a rein on our tongue?
Gossip: words that are spoken behind someone’s back because of their harmful nature.
gossip is true.
Gossip actually means whispering.
Two different types of gossip:
1. The Gossip Speaker.
What does gossip do? (Proverbs 16:28)
What should we do whenever we find ourselves in the middle of a conversation laced with gossip?
2. The Gossip Hearer.
Questions to make you think deeper:
What are the things that can prevent us from gossiping?
What kind of faults do we notice in others? (Matthew 7:3)
What did Jesus call those who ignore their own imperfections and focus on the flaws of others? Why? (Matthew 7:5)
Why is it necessary to deal with one’s own sins first? (Matthew 7:5)
When, if ever, should we criticize or judge someone else?
How can we become more merciful and nonjudgmental?
How do gossip and quarrels work? (Proverbs 26:20-22) Why do people enjoy gossip?
When have you been misled by the deceptive words of an evil person?
Next Steps:
1. Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.
2. Start thinking. Ask a thoughtful question.
3. Start sharing. Choose questions that create openness.
4. Start praying. Be bold, and pray with power.
5. Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
For more information about taking the next steps in your faith, visit ringgoldchurch.com/nextsteps.
Are your words going to be those of life or those of death?
Prayer: Father, thank you for Your Word and thank you for conviction. Honestly, a lot of times we avoid it at all costs because it is going to be painful, a little bit embarrassing, and we have to admit we are imperfect. But we thank You for humility. We thank You for humility that comes from the cross. Without Your Son’s death, we stand on nothing. Let us be constantly reminded of what Your Son did for us so that we can have a life of freedom and we can encourage others towards that. God, You are amazing. We want to speak words of life that come straight from You. It is in Your name I pray. Amen.