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Before you say something to someone about what “you heard” or “were told”, ask yourself…
- Will this information help or hurt the listener and the person being discussed?
- Will this lead to compassion and understanding or confusion and strife?
- Is what I am about to say something that could really damage someone’s reputation?
- Is it possible for me to directly confront the person who is the subject of the gossip instead of telling other people?
- What is my mood and motivation for telling this? Is it spite? Is it to build myself up? Am I simply “venting”?
- Would I feel comfortable with what I am saying if the person I am gossiping about finds out (Matthew 7:12)?
- Would I be lying if I utter something that is not substantiated?
- Will I add fuel to the fire by telling my own story about the person or event I just learned about?
- Will I courageously and kindly tell my informant gossip is hurtful, and no one benefits from it?
- Why did I stick around long enough to hear it in the first place?
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