Greetings dear listeners! Please join Kate and Sheila for Rule #5–No Gossip Allowed in Jacob Hudgins’ book, House Rules. We have an enlightening interview with Jacob coming out on Tuesday. We hope you’ll join us! What does God’s Word say about gossip? The Bible uses words like slander, speak evil of, whisperer, reviling, back-biting, busybodies, talebearer, and meddling. Whew! Quite a list! “...blending together the various biblical expressions, gossip is saying bad things about other people to ruin their reputations or condemn them, especially when they are not present.” In Christian homes, there is no gossip allowed, we want to build up not tear down.

Jacob gives different reasons why we gossip, such as: laziness, jealousy, revenge, or for fun.

Gossip is not a victimless vice, it hurts not only the one being thrown under the bus and also the thrower. Is it a lack of gratitude on our part that unleashes the gossiping gargoyle, destroyer of trust and wrecker of relationships (with people and with God)???

Help! Improvement Wanted! “For lack of wood the fire goes out…” Prov 26:20

Let’s start with us-Be aware. What are my intentions? “The fact that I know something doesn’t mean I have to say it.”

Ask bold clarifying questions-”Is that what they said or just what you heard?

Push back with compassion and understanding-”break the self-centeredness cycle”

Complimenting the victim can change the tone.

Use caution at home not to take the bridle off our tongues, or as Kate said, “Never put stretchy pants on the tongue” Bahaha! We must strive to build and create (like our Heavenly Father) instead of destroy and distort.

We thank you for striving to be intentional with us as we journey toward knowing God better!

Happy Growing and Reading!!!