Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords. “After all, who can hear us?” they sneer. But Lord, you laugh at them…You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress. – Psalms 59: 7-9
Being the target of gossip is hurtful in the most unique way.
Because we have zero control over what people are saying.
We can’t magically pop up whenever our names come up in conversation and defend ourselves.
We can’t show up to explain our life’s stories and traumas to make others understand who we are.
When others are laughing at us, speculating about our lives, condemning us, judging us, and running wild with half-truths and/or complete fabrications, it cuts like a sword.
Especially when we’re battling severe trauma or deep-seated personal issues.
But it’s in those moments of profound hurt that we must squash the desire to have control over that which we can’t control and turn our hearts to God.
If the gossip is the result of a sin we’ve committed, we should reflect on 1 John 1:9:
If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
In other words, nobody can condemn us, no matter how hard they try, when God has granted us forgiveness.
If the gossip is the result of a malicious-spirited attack, we must know that the hate being targeted at us ultimately has no power to injure us.
When God is for us, no man (or woman) can be against us.
So we should say to our gossipers, “Go ahead and talk till your tongue falls out!”
Because when we put God first and meditate on His Word daily, we have absolutely nothing to worry about.
When we know that God sees our hearts, knows our struggles, and loves us, then it doesn’t matter if the whole world is talking about us.
We can be at ease knowing that we’re covered by His everlasting grace.
If you’re concerned that you’ve become the target of gossip, ask God to bring you peace today so that you can be unbothered by the irrelevant whisperings of others. If you’re someone who struggles to control your tongue, ask God to forgive you and fill you with a loving spirit that seeks to uplift others instead of tearing them down.
Be blessed,
Alexia
As I read this devotional this scripture came to mind..
“A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.”
Proverbs 18:8 CSB
Gossip is not good for any person.. It literally is like poison to the heart, clouding one’s judgement.
“Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends.”
Proverbs 17:9 CSB
It causes unnecessary strife between individuals who wouldn’t normally have an offense with one another.
“Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down.”
Proverbs 26:20 CSB
That’s why we need God to be able to love one another and forgive each other when we feel like we have been wronged. It’s only Him that gives us the ability to do so, in our own flesh it’s not possible.
Amen Ebony! And it’s easy not to gossip when you keep good company. If none of the friends you keep around you gossip, you’ll be less likely to start the bad habit. That’s why at this point in my life, I just keep a few people near me who I know will feed my spirit and help me to walk in the Word. Like you! 🙂