Recently while out to dinner with friends, a conversation came up around another friend’s serious health condition. Unfortunately, the friend being discussed was unable to join us.

Despite the fact that one of the people at dinner was a confidant with whom our mutual friend had shared her deepest truths, her health condition was discussed. Opinions were offered, speculation was shared.

Even though I offered no comment, the fact is, I was present. I was a participant, even if silently. It was only after I got home that I realized I should have moved to change the subject. I started thinking about my own “confidential” conversations, and how hurtful it would be for me to discover those things had been discussed on the block.

It seems that gossiping slips in without warning if we are not careful. Sometimes it is even masked under the guise of details needed so that we can pray for that particular individual.

Typically, what is being discussed is personal and should not be considered newsworthy. How many times has someone said to you, “They told me not to mention it, but I am just telling you?”

At that point, should we listen, or should we speak up?

What I think gets missed sometimes is that we are not just discussing a particular situation; we are discussing one of our brother’s or sister’s personal circumstances. Proverbs 11:13 (NIV) provides us guidance on this subject: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”

After meditating on this passage, the message I walked away with is simply, a person confides in me because he or she trusts me. That’s powerful!

My betrayal has the potential of doing harm. I am not sure what your decision will be, but for me, this is a focus area. Remember, it could be you who is the next hot gossip topic.
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Tanya Wilson is a Charlotte-based inspirational speaker. Find her on Facebook. Her column appears each Monday on Qcitymetro.com.
 

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