Words can be tools for building bridges or weapons for tearing them down. The choice is ours every time we open our mouths. Drawing from the wisdom of Proverbs 10:18, this episode examines how gossip and slander have destroyed friendships, split families, and damaged churches throughout history—and continue to do so today.
We dive deep into understanding what gossip truly is: not just sharing news, but spreading information that isn't yours to share, especially when it harms someone's reputation. Slander takes this further by deliberately spreading falsehoods to damage others. God doesn't mince words about either practice, calling both "foolish" because they stem from hearts out of alignment with His love.
Most troubling is how gossip often disguises itself as spiritual concern. "We need to pray for her... let me tell you what happened..." Sound familiar? We explore why these seemingly innocent conversations plant seeds of division and mistrust, and why as followers of Christ, we're called to a higher standard. Drawing from Ephesians 4:29, we examine practical ways to guard our hearts and mouths: checking our motives, refusing to listen when others gossip, addressing concerns directly, and transforming our impulse to talk about others by talking to God about them instead.
Your words are powerful. Will you use them to bring life rather than destruction today? Join us in committing to speech that reflects Christ's heart in every conversation. Make your communication a testimony to grace rather than a source of pain.