If a random survey were issued asking the question, “Do you trust someone who consistently gossips?”  Most would respond, “Absolutely not!”  However, isn’t it interesting that a person who gossips always seems to find an audience?  What is more interesting is that this happens within church families as well.

We are challenged in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (ESV)

Gossip is when you’re sharing a problem or criticism with someone who is neither part of the problem or part of the solution.  If they’re part of the solution, then it’s legitimate to share it with them. (Rick Warren)

Notice what Paul being inspired by the Holy Spirit says in Ephesians 4:29.  Paul is revealing that we are to stop one thing and start something else.  He says “let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths…”  Corrupting is often used in the New Testament in describing rotten fruit or fish (Luke 6:43; Matthew 13:48).  Instead, Paul challenges those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ that we are to give grace.  God’s call upon our lives is that as a Christian speaks we are to give grace and benefit others rather than corrupt them through what is spoken.

What might God do in our midst if we committed ourselves to being givers of grace as we speak to others.