Gossip : A Biblical View (from 11/17/2009 Dicsussion)

Let me preface this post with how I came about writing this and implementing this into the company culture here at AHU Inc. First, I would like to point out that Dave Ramsey spent time speaking about gossip and integrity last week at Entreleadership in Cancun. Dave made his point using Biblical principles and gave examples within his organization, I appreciate the example his organization sets. Therefore, I have spent some time expanding on the subject of gossip for our small group/Bible study meeting at my company held this morning. I'm happy to say that we have planted this seed in our organization today! (Thanks again Dave for pointing out this important issue that was not on my radar). Thanks, Lance Cashion

Here is the discussion page:
11/17/2009
Gossip: A Biblical View
Gossip is poison that permeates a family or organizational relationship and causes destruction from within. The Bible is very clear on gossip.

Mark 12:28-31 NIV
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'[b] 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[c]There is no commandment greater than these."

Question: How would I want to be treated?
Goal as a small group within our organization: (slow implementation)
Recognize gossip and confront it with gentleness and love (in private). We must remind each other if we are engaged in gossip (we are not perfect). This is an issue we must actively engage because Satan works through gossip. As for folks outside our group, do not rebuke them in public or in front of their peers. This action will destroy trust and our witness. When in doubt kindly excuse yourself and walk away.

Matthew 18: 15-17 NIV
"If your brother sins against you,[a] go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'[b] 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Proverbs 15: 28, 28 NKJV
23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.

Gossip destroys our integrity, thus destroying our work for Christ.
Ephesians 4: 25-28 (added 11/27/09)
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Proverbs 21:23
23Whoso guardeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Aspirando et Perseverando!
Lance Cashion