Gossip

Gossip seems to be rampant in many churches today. I have often wondered why that is, but after observing churches I have been involved in, I have come to realise that one of the main reasons gossip is so prevalent is because congregations often aren’t taught the Biblical principles to help them deal with their issues. Jesus gives us the solution to the problem of gossip in Matthew 18:15-17, and I believe that if church leaders enforced this one Biblical principle in their congregations, our churches would experience a unity and freedom that we have not experienced in a long time.

Step 1 – Go back and talk to the person (verse 15)

The Bible teaches that if someone says or does something to you that is out of line, you should go back to that person and talk to them about it. Many people now seem to go straight to someone else or the pastor with their version of the story, without going back to the original source. Like “Chinese whispers” most gossip is actually misinterpretation. I believe that so many misunderstandings and misconceptions could be avoided if this first simple step Jesus puts in place for us is implemented in our every day lives.

Step 2 – Take two or three witnesses (verse 16)

If you talk to the person about the issue and they are not sorry for what they have said or done, you should take a couple of other trustworthy people with you so that they can hear from the person first hand. Again, this simple procedure will eliminate misunderstanding and may provide a different perspective.

Step 3 – Take it to the church (verse 17)

If step two fails, then and only then should you take the matter to the church leadership, who should, in turn, approach the person and hear from them first hand.

Step 4 – Consequences (verse 17)

If the person is still unrepentant after speaking with the church leadership, then they should be dealt with accordingly.

Why is it that such clear Biblical instructions are not followed in relation to the issue of gossip? I believe, sadly, that many pastors want to know everything that is being said and done within their church and, as a result, fish around for stray words and negativity. They ask people to let them know if they hear anything “wayward” or “controversial” (ironically this encourages more gossip), instead of directing people back to the Bible. What then happens is that miscommunications and misinterpretations are “shared” amongst members of the congregation, and disunity rears its ugly head.

If church leadership would relinquish their desire to control, and apply Jesus’ teachings to their lives and churches, I believe we would begin to see a vibrant and united body of Christ rise up, and that is just what this country needs.