Our mouths are a very small part of our body. Something so small but yet can make a huge difference in the lives of those we come in contact with. When we open our mouths we can bring life and smiles, but too often we breathe some very destructive words. We say and post things online everyday, but do we really understand how much our words matter? Keep reading to find out if you are using your words in a loving way and to find out what God’s word says about it.
“Spend time praying for people instead of talking about them.” -Toby Mac
Your Words Matter
Because I am human and have been through junior high/high school, I have had my fair share of gossip and the damaging affects of it. I can for sure tell you that my teenage years would have been so much easier if I had avoided people who found joy in gossip. I have played my part in saying some nasty things about people and I’m sure you have too. As I matured and my relationship with Jesus has grown I have learned how important words are. I have provided some questions for you to ask yourself on the topic of gossip.
Q & A
- Do you often catch yourself talking or gossiping about others?
- Do you understand that your words can seriously damage others?
- How do you think others see you? Someone who uses their words for kindness or for slander?
- Do the people you spend time with use their mouths to build others up or tear them down?
- What will you do to put an end to gossip in your life?
What God’s Word Tells Us:
- “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
-We should use our words to build them up, not tear them down.
Do you realize when you let unwholesome talk come out of your mouth? (Even when it’s about people who aren’t very nice?)
- “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
-If we want to serve God with our lives we should not cause conflict and we must avoid gossip.
Do you know someone who loves to cause problems?
Do you think you could be someone who loves to cause conflict?
- “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” -Proverbs 20:19
-I think we all know how much words can hurt. We also know how hard it can be to trust someone who used their words to harm us and betray us.
Have you ever felt confident about a friendship but felt betrayed by their words?
Have you ever betrayed a friendship with your words?
- “So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.” – 1 Corinthians 8:11
-The things we say and do tell others about our walk with Christ. Our love for others can bring them close to Him.
Do you realize that your words reflect your relationship with Jesus?
Do you ever stop and think about how your words could lead others away from Jesus?
Grow
It’s very easy for our words to get away from us; especially if someone is annoying us or has hurt our feelings. Sometimes we use our words to belittle others just to make ourselves feel better. So the way we speak tells people what’s inside our hearts. So if you have a problem with talking about other people you should take a look at your own heart. You should look deep down and figure out what insecurities/fears/ or whatever it is that is causing you to hurt others with your words. Sometimes this includes removing negative people from our lives that might have an influence that causes us to be negative about others. If we read God’s word we can clearly see how compassionate and loving Jesus was towards others. If we want to be like Jesus we must learn to use our words to build and encourage. If you have a problem saying or thinking negative things about others, use your quiet time to ask God to change your heart. Instead of talking about others, pray for them! You are not alone and this doesn’t make you a horrible person. Just use this time to learn and grow! There is so much evil in the world today, let’s be the good!
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Romans 12:21
Challenge Yourself
- Pray for others. Take the time to write down the names of people you might struggle to say nice things about. Pray each day for their lives and also pray for your heart to love them the way that Jesus loves them. Don’t forget that Jesus see them as valuable.
- Talk to someone. If you are struggling with gossip don’t go through this alone. As Christians we need to stick together. Seek help from the Lord and also seek help from other Christians who will hold you accountable. Don’t be ashamed. We all have struggles.
- Apologize. If you have hard feelings in your heart toward someone and you know that you have hurt feelings, reach out to anyone you might have hurt. I know that this isn’t easy. Life is too short and we must use our words for love.
Live Free of Gossip!
I created these questions when I was working with a youth group last year. I know that gossip is a struggle many of us fight with. I hope this encouraged and challenged you in your walk with God.
Keep growing and keep living free
-Hannah C.
Live Free 
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