"Gossip often veils itself in certain phrases:
"Have you heard...?"
"Did you know...?"
"They tell me..."
"Keep this to yourself, but..."
"I don't believe it's true, but I heard that..."
"I wouldn't tell you, except that I know it will go no further."
Of course, the most infamous such rationalization in Christian circles is,"I am telling you this so you can pray." It sounds pious, but the heart that feeds on evil reports leaves flaming fires in its wake. Oh, the heartache that comes from the tongue."
~Barbara Hughes, Disciplines of a Godly Woman, pg. 88-89
Anything you would add to this list of possible gossip phrases?
It is amazing how easy some of these phrases escape my lips simply because I want to converse with an adult (because I'm with kids all day) and the world has taught me this type of conversation will get the best result - it's a hard habit to break, but knowing what not to say is a start!
ReplyDeleteMarissa
I am guilty too!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. It is so easy to get caught up in gossip. :(
ReplyDelete