Gossip

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, gossip is defined as “a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others.” As written in Proverbs 11:13 of the KJV of the Holy Bible states “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” I am a firm believer in trying to remain out of business that does not concern me. I understand that I have family members and friends who are part of different circles that they all care about, and that is great. In the event, that they care about something they will mention it but I do not have to partake in discussions or react in a way that is not authentic. I believe that Christ wants me to listen because sometimes people need a listening ear, not a commenting mouth. If advice is sought then I will provide it but other than that, I will respond honestly.

My response is normally, “I will pray for x” or “Tell that person congratulations.” I do not know why people get angry when I am not as involved as they are in the people that they choose to invest in. I do not have a reason to invest in certain people. As I mentioned in an earlier post, some people are not worth my time or effort so why waste the energy? I understand wanting to share a story or tell about something that was shared, but the ultimate question is: WHOSE STORY IS IT TO SHARE? If it is not the person speaking, to me, that is gossiping.

When I go to work and people ask about my family, generic questions: how many siblings, parents alive, live where, and so on. I do not share additional information. I normally say I have sisters and they live in x town or city and leave it there. If I were to indulge in stories about them when they are not present, then that is gossiping. Their lives are not my stories to tell, it is theirs. The world would be better if everyone stopped sharing someone else’s story. Let people share their own stories, because, after all, we cannot write other people’s lives.

And most importantly, that is called gossiping.