Elements City Church
We each know intuitively that our words have a power to them. Power for good or for harm. It seems in our polarized culture today – it would be really good if we each could get better at HOW we use our words. We need some biblical wisdom on how we speak.
TONIGHT: we lean into some wisdom when it comes to conversations going sideways…Where we’re not talking TO a person, but we’re talking ABOUT a person, but to other people – things are going sideways. Some refer to it as gossip. We need to ZIP IT
RECAP:
We’re trying already to practice a new rhythm: quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry (see James 1:19)
We’re trying to already practice a NEW PURPOSE with our words:
speaking words that ‘BUILD UP’ others - no unwholesome talk / avoiding "fish-mouth" (see Ephesians 4:29)
Philippians 4:8 NIV
The Apostle Paul is challenging us in Philippians to focus our hearts/our minds on what's best and let that influence how we then speak.
What we let our minds think about, will eventually be what our words talk about!
Our world likes dirty laundry. We like the ‘tabloid news of life’ and our hearts/minds are drawn to the dirt & gutter news of relationships.
Whether it seems to be the negative news cycle, tabloids in grocery stores or the latest celebrity gossip – that kind of news is big business for a reason.
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
Gossip might be ‘tasty’ – but is also dangerous and damaging to relationships!
Quote:
“Gossip is pornography of the mouth. Like porn, it seeks a cheap thrill at someone else's expense with zero commitment to them.”
-Scott Sauls (Pastor)
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
-Proverbs 29:19
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
-Proverbs 11:13
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
-Proverbs 16:28
Truth about Gossip:
Those with loose tongues cannot expect tight relationships.
When we give into gossip, we vandalize another person’s dignity.
When we have a bone to pick, let’s talk TO that person, not ABOUT that person.
Pastor Rick Warren gave a great definition of gossip and how we know when we are gossiping:
"When we are talking about a situation with somebody who is neither part of the problem or part of the solution, then we are probably gossiping.”
Intent is really important when we talk about gossip as well. Do you say these things to harm or to really help? What is our motivation in the things that we share?
There is a great Christian virtue in simply holding your tongue.
2 Timothy 2:3-6 NLT
2 Timothy 2:14-16 NIV
The ministry of encouragement is one we’re all called into!
One of the biggest problems with gossip isn’t just that gossip hurts other people. It’s that in the statement of gossip we often get the real story wrong or at least, incomplete in content and intent!
How many of you remember the telephone game?
We each need to look beneath our words.
I love the prayer of David:
Psalm in 141:3-4a
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil
We’re to be people use our words to BUILD UP, to speak words of life and encouragement into others.
-words of life can change a culture.
-words of life can change a person.
words of life can change a group.
We’re not going to gossip. We’re not going to share hearsay. We’re not going to engage in this deadly poison that can damage lives and fracture relationships.
We’re going to put a stop to them. Encourage people to go talk TO that SOMEONE and not just talk ABOUT THAT SOMEONE.
Think what kind of power & influence we have in this city if we said,
“When it comes to gossip – we’re going to ZIP IT -- not share it…
“We’re going to be intentional and purposeful to BUILD UP people”
“We’re going to commit to speak words of life!” Everywhere – with Everyone.
“We’re going encourage people the best we know how & the most we can.”
IF YOU'RE NEW:
We throw a 10-minute party immediately following the service in the back corner of the room. If you're new, we'd love to meet you and we have a small gift for you! We also want invite you back with us next Sunday at 5pm as we continue our series together. Stick around tonight for the After-Party!