The Power of Words: Breaking Free from Gossip
Lately, I’ve been seeing messages everywhere about gossip. When I scroll through YouTube, videos on gossiping seem to pop up all the time. I’ve even received emails from Christian sites addressing the very same topic. It’s becoming clear to me that God is trying to get my attention, gently nudging me to look deeper at this part of my life. And as much as I’d like to brush it off, I know He’s right. This is an area I need to work on.
I’ve been praying for God to reveal the areas holding me back from fully growing in my faith, the things that are keeping me from experiencing the depth of His love and peace. And He’s been faithful in answering, bit by bit. Gossip is one of those areas I’ve struggled with, even if I didn’t recognize it right away. Like so many of us, I’d often pick up the phone to vent about something at work, a tough situation, or even frustrations with my husband. But as I’ve been praying for wisdom, God’s shown me that sometimes what feels like “venting” can cross a line and become something that doesn’t honor Him, or the people in my life.
The Subtle Nature of Gossip
It’s easy to think of gossip as something intentional and hurtful, like spreading rumors or tearing someone down behind their back. But gossip can be much more subtle than that. It can sneak in through a “harmless” chat or a casual complaint. We justify it by saying we’re just venting or letting off steam, but deep down, there’s often more at play.
I've heard it said that “gossip is sharing anything about someone that’s not ours to share.” This hit home for me because it reminded me that even when I’m simply expressing frustration or sharing a story, I’m choosing to pass along information that may not be my right to pass. It’s not just the words—it’s the heart behind them.
The Power of Words
In James 3:5-6, it says, “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire.” This verse reminds us that words are powerful, they have the ability to uplift or tear down, to heal or to harm.
When we speak, our words can either bless or curse, even unintentionally. I heard a pastor say one day something that really convicted me: “You’re praying for your husband to change in certain areas, and you’re asking God why your prayer isn’t being answered. Maybe it’s because you’re cursing your husband with the same mouth you’re praying for him.” Ouch. That was a hard truth to hear. If we’re using our words to complain or speak negatively about someone, it may be undermining the very prayers we’re lifting up to God on their behalf.
Seeking God’s Help to Change
Recognizing gossip for what it is can be uncomfortable, but it’s also a step toward freedom. Gossip can feel gratifying in the moment, but it leaves us with a lingering emptiness. When we turn to God instead, asking Him to help us work through the emotions behind our words, we experience a deeper peace and a closer relationship with Him.
I’m now convicted to work on learning to pause and pray before picking up the phone to vent. Moving forward, I want to ask myself, “Is what I’m about to share something that will bring life, or is it just going to add fuel to the fire?” I’m hoping that, as I give my frustrations to God first, He will shape my heart and help me let go of the need to vent or share in ways that may cross the line.
Speaking Life into Our Relationships
When we choose to speak life, we invite God into our relationships. We ask Him to be our guide, helping us build others up instead of tearing them down. This doesn’t mean we never share our burdens or frustrations with others, but it does mean we do so with a heart that’s mindful of the impact of our words. When our friends or spouses see that we’re choosing kindness and encouragement, they’re often encouraged to do the same.
Praying for those closest to us—our spouses, friends, family, coworkers—shifts our hearts from frustration to compassion. Instead of cursing them, we bless them, asking God to help them grow and thrive. We ask Him to strengthen our relationships and give us the grace to love one another well.
The Enemy’s Trap of Gossip
The enemy would love nothing more than to keep us tangled in negative thoughts and words, especially about those we’re closest to. He knows that if he can keep us focused on what’s wrong in others, we’ll be distracted from the ways God is working in our own hearts. Gossip can become a foothold for resentment, bitterness, and division—all things that can damage our relationships and pull us further from God.
But by choosing to release our grievances to God, we refuse to let the enemy have control. We surrender our frustrations at the foot of the Cross and ask Jesus to give us His perspective. We ask Him to show us how to love, to be patient, and to trust in His goodness.
Moving Forward
I’m still learning, and this journey is far from over. But I’m grateful for God’s gentle nudges, reminding me to live a life of love, one word at a time. It’s a process, but each small step toward speaking life brings me closer to the person He created me to be.
If you’re also finding that God is gently pointing out areas to work on, I encourage you to listen to that prompting. He does it not out of condemnation, but because He longs to help us become the best versions of ourselves. Let’s walk this path together, choosing to speak life, seeking His strength, and trusting that with His help, we can break free from the things that hold us back.
Lord, teach me to use my words to honor You and lift others up. Help me to let go of frustration and release my burdens to You, instead of carrying them through gossip. Fill me with Your peace, patience, and wisdom so that my words are life-giving. Show me how to speak love and grace, and guard my heart from the enemy’s traps.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
