(CHILD-FRIENDLY) GOSSIP: WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT IT?

Memory Verse: “Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a quarrel dies down.” — Proverbs 26:20

 

What Is Gossip?

Gossip is when we talk about someone behind their back, especially saying things that are mean, untrue, or embarrassing. It’s like spreading secrets that hurt others. Even if it sounds fun or interesting, gossip can cause a lot of pain.

Imagine someone telling your classmates something embarrassing about you. That would hurt, right? That’s what gossip does—it hurts people’s feelings and can ruin friendships.

Why Is Gossip Bad?

- It spreads lies or half-truths. Sometimes gossip isn’t even true!

- It breaks trust. If someone tells you a secret and you share it, they might not trust you again.

- It causes fights. Gossip can make people angry and lead to arguments.

- It makes God sad. God wants us to love others, not hurt them with our words.

The Bible says in James 3:6 that our tongue is like a fire—it can burn and destroy if we’re not careful. That’s why we must be wise with our words.

What Should We Do Instead?

- Think before you speak. Ask yourself: “Would I want someone to say this about me?”

- Say kind things. Use your words to build others up, not tear them down.

- Walk away from gossip. If someone starts gossiping, you can say, “Let’s talk about something else.”

- Be a peacemaker. Help your friends get along, not fight.

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever said something about someone that hurt their feelings?

2. What can you do when your friends start gossiping?

3. How would you feel if someone gossiped about you?

4. Can you think of a time when gossip caused a problem?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to use my words to show love and kindness. Teach me to stay away from gossip and to speak only what is true and helpful. Let my words be sweet and full of grace. Amen.

Shalom

 

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START AGAIN!

Job 17:10-11 GW   "But now, all of you, come and try again! I won’t find one wise man among you.  My days are passing by. My plans are broken. My dreams are shattered."[10]   Life may require us to start again—and it’s never too late to start over. One of life’s certainties is that everyone will experience failure at something at some point. Life is never an unbroken series of victories. Setbacks, losses, and sometimes defeat will happen and may overwhelm us. Defeat may be thrust upon us by circumstance or by others, or we may defeat ourselves by our own thoughts and actions. When this happens, some give up, some persist until they succeed, and others are willing to start over again. Luke 7:11-15 gives the account of the widow of Nain, on her way to bury her only son, crying, distraught after losing another close family member. On the way, Jesus saw her, had compassion, and acted.  The woman must have thought, "Is He kidding? Does He know what I've been t...
Read more

DIVINE VISION!

Jeremiah 1:1-11 NASB The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, [2] to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. [3] It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the exile of Jerusalem in the fifth month. [4] Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, [5] “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” [6] Then I said, “Oh, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.” [7] But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. [8] “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to save you,” declares the Lord. [9] Then the Lord stretch...
Read more

RESISTANCE FROM STEPPING INTO PURPOSE!

John 16:33 AMPC I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]   Stepping into your God-given purpose is one of the most powerful decisions you will ever make. But it is also one of the most resisted. The Bible makes it clear that whenever God calls a person, opposition rises—externally, internally, and spiritually. Jesus Himself tells us that trials will come, but His victory gives us courage and peace. Every believer must understand this: resistance is not a sign that you’re in the wrong place; it is often proof that you’re stepping into the right one. Everyone called by God faces resistance! Throughout Scripture, the moment people stepped into divine purpose, they faced pushback. ...
Read more