I'm a 9 on the enneagram, "The Peacemaker" as they call it, and I am declaring war on gossip.
If you've ever been human for very long, you've probably found yourself in the middle of two friends beginning to have differences. These conversations, while perhaps first discussed in innocent frustration, can quickly turn to unhealthy gossip the more parties and differing opinions get involved. This has been the downfall of many friend groups as history has proven and it all begins at a root... humanity's selfish desires.
While we may be saved by the blood of Christ, we were all first sinners. When we get distracted, those sin-tendencies come back up and cause trouble.
It's so important for the body of Christ to represent unity to the world around us. One of the most heartbreaking things to me is when there is quarrelling among Brothers and Sisters, and it is something I have unfortunately born witness to too often.
The sin of gossip and hurtful words seem to be the common denominator for these breaches of unity. Gossip turns into gossip when someone feels wronged or wrongs another and chooses not to confront the person face to face. We need desperately for Brothers and Sisters of Christ to start caring enough about their Brothers and Sisters to have open conversations and confront these issues when they arise. Pretending everything is fine doesn't fix anything. "Nice" culture doesn't solve problems, love does.
Sometimes love means bringing into the light what was once in the dark, for the sake of caring for the person's soul. Sometimes love means calling out something that will lead a person to conviction, Godly grief, and repentance. Love is real. Love is honest. Even if it hurts, it is, ultimately, for our health. It's about the heart behind the confrontation.
The fact is, we shouldn't be okay with allowing gossip to destroy our unity. It is a strong temptation both females and males struggle with, but there is a way to stay strong against it.
Gossip gains power when we are focused more on others, ourselves, and our own desires, rather than Jesus. When gossip becomes great -> WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE WRONG THINGS.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV)
Focus on Jesus. Focus on running your own race. Don't let the sin of gossip trip you up any longer. Lock arms with the witnesses and Brothers and Sisters around you and run with them. We shouldn't be tripping each other up. We are all running the same race.
So, my Brothers and Sisters, let's start lifting each other up with our words and come together in the Name of Jesus for the purpose of Heaven. In other words- stop "spilling the tea" and start filling each other's cups.