How Does God see Gossip?

Eph 4:29 (KJV)

[29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Eph 4:29 (AMPC)

[29] Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.

Eph 4:30 (AMPC)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).

So we see that it is considered a sin because it grieves the Holy Spirit

What is Gossip?

Gossip describes a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts, rumors, or reports of an intimate nature that are none of his business.

Gossip would include:

a. Talking about other people’s business and things that do not concern you.

b. Repeating what someone else said, even though you don’t know whether or not it’s true.

c. Talking to others as if you were an authority about matters that are other people’s business when in reality you don’t know what you are talking about.

Difference Between Gossip and Slander

This is where we assume too much concerning gossip. Too many people think it’s OK to share information that shouldn’t be shared because they believe it is true.

So they justify sharing personal, private information that is nobody’s business to share. In their minds, it’s fine to destroy things like relationships and reputations because, “Hey, if it’s true, they deserve it.

Slander is spreading false information. We need to understand that one can be gossiping and slandering at the same time, and one can be gossiping and not slandering at the same time.

In other words, gossip can be true and slander is false.

True or not, don’t share others’ personal and/or private things. That’s gossip.

Where Does Gossip From?

1. It comes straight from hell

Jas 3:6 (KJV)

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Jas 3:6 (MSG)

A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.

Jas 3:6 (TPT)

And the tongue is a fire! It can be compared to the sum total of wickedness and is the most dangerous part of our human body. It corrupts the entire body and is a hellish flame! It releases a fire that can burn throughout the course of human existence.

The flames of hell ignite gossip. Satan is behind all gossip, either directly or indirectly. When we listen to gossip, we give the devil a foothold in our lives. 

2. From the evil of our hearts

Luk 6:45 (TPT)

[45] People are known in this same way. Out of the virtue stored in their hearts, good and upright people will produce good fruit. But out of the evil hidden in their hearts, evil ones will produce what is evil. For the overflow of what has been stored in your heart will be seen by your fruit and will be heard in your words.

When we allow our sinful natures to control our hearts, evil fills our souls, and evil spews out of mouths.

3. From Idleness

1Ti 5:13 (KJV)

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

4. A result of hatred and envy 

Psa 109:2-3 (CEV)

[Destructive and deceitful lies are told about me, [3] and hateful things are said for no reason.

Why Gossip Is Dangerous

Gossip is always trouble. Gossip obscures the truth. Gossip drives us from God. Gossip ruins reputations. Gossip destroys relationships. Gossip divides churches.

1. It is a wound

Pro 18:8 (KJV)

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

2. Gossip permanently blemishes our view of the person being discussed.

3. Once that picture gets into our minds, it’s very hard to erase it. It is simply a fact that we almost never forget a bad report we have heard about someone else.

4. Every time we see the person about whom we heard the gossip, that rumor will be resurrected in our minds. It becomes a wound, a mark, a stain in our memory.

2. You will be judged.

Mat 12:37 (KJV)

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Mat 12:37 (TPT)

Your very words will be used as evidence against you, and your words will declare you either innocent or guilty.”

Mat 12:37 (MSG)

Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.”

3. It is destructive and can cause its victim to be suicidal

Jas 3:8 (TPT)

but the tongue is not able to be tamed. It’s a fickle, unrestrained evil that spews out words full of toxic poison!

Gossip is a wildfire gone out of control. We try to put it out. We try to control it. But the gossiper keeps pouring gas on the fire. Like a forest fire that is beyond control, gossip takes on a life of its own. The story grows and changes the more the gossip is spread. The story even grows within the mind of the gossiper.

4. Gossip is the language of those who have rejected Christ

Rom 1:28-30 (TPT)

[28] And because they thought it was worthless to embrace the true knowledge of God, God gave them over to a worthless mind-set, to break all rules of proper conduct. [29] Their sinful lives became full of every kind of evil, wicked schemes, greed, and cruelty. Their hearts overflowed with jealous cravings, and with conflict and strife, which drove them into hateful arguments and murder. They are deceitful liars full of hostility. They are gossips [30] who love to spread malicious slander. With inflated egos they hurl hateful insults at God, yet they are nothing more than arrogant boasters. They are rebels against their parents and totally immoral.

5. Gossip destroys precious relationships and scatters churches

Pro 16:28 (MSG)

Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.

In a few seconds, gossip can ruin a friendship that took years to build. Not only does gossip ruin friendships. Gossip can do great harm to a church.

People leave churches when they believe in gossip. People leave churches when they have been wounded by gossip. Churches have split over gossip started by a single person.

How To Deal With A Gossip

1. Walk away

When you turn and walk away from a gossiper, you literally paralyze his ability to discuss things that are not his business to discuss. You see, in order for the words of gossip to be successful, there must be two parties involved — the gossiper and the listener.

Without a listener, the gossiper’s voice is silenced. If there is no one to listen, there is nothing to tell!

Pro 26:20 (KJV)

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

Pro 26:20 (MSG)

[20] When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down.

2. Shut them down nicely

If you are unable to walk away, shut them down nicely.

Haven’t there been many times in the past when you should have said,

“Excuse me, but should we be talking like this?”

Or maybe you should have said,
“Excuse me, but I don’t believe it is right for us to talk like this, and I cannot be a part of this conversation.”

“Excuse me, but this conversation makes me uncomfortable; I don’t think I want to be a part of it.”

When you chose to listen to the gossip instead of walking away, how did you feel afterward — clean or dirty, faithful or unfaithful and tarnished? Were you glad you listened to those words that were whispered to you behind closed doors?

Pro 20:19 (MSG)

Gossips can’t keep secrets, so never confide in blabbermouths.

When someone begins to gossip to you, tell them plainly, “I don’t want to hear any gossip. We don’t want gossip hurting our church.” Don’t worry about offending them by telling them you don’t want to hear any gossip. Gossipers need to be put in their place.

3. Make a Decision 

Make the decision today to refrain from gossiping. Refuse to even listen to it!

The next time someone starts to “run at the mouth” and talk about things that are not his to decide or to discuss, confront that person about what he is doing.

If he chooses to continue gossiping, walk away from him and maintain your integrity before God and before those who are being discussed.

How Do You Know If You Are A Gossip?

Since the word “gossip” really means to whisper, it would be good when you are about to tell something you’ve heard to first ask yourself: Would I say these things publicly? Would I say this in front of the person I am talking about? If your answer is no, you can conclude that you shouldn’t say it privately either.

4. Overlook an Offence

Pro 17:9 (KJV)

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Overlooking an offense is an act of love and friendship. It is also a sign of Christian maturity. Christians can be too thin-skinned.

Churches are a family. Sometimes family members offend family members. Don’t be surprised when it happens. We’re too quick to get offended. We’re too quick to tell others about how another church member offended us. It’s wrong! God says to overlook the offense. If you must talk about the offense, talk to the person who offended you, and that person alone.

5. Confront Gossipers

Eph 4:15 (KJV)

But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Write a 300-page Essay on Why Gossip is a Forbidden Habit.

Oral Assignment 
You will be required to give a ten-minute talk on what Gossip is forbidden 

A. DRESSING  

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

1. Dressing should be cooperate, except on traditional Sundays or any other day otherwise stipulated. 

2. The hair (male and female) should be well groomed and face well shaven (males). 

3. Use of earrings by males is not allowed 

4. Short skirts, miniskirts and cleavage showing blouses are not allowed. (Short skirts are skirts showing the laps or above the knee). Sleeveless shirts, Jean trousers are not allowed on Sundays

5. No three quarters on Service days except on Casual Sundays which is once in a while and will be so stipulated. 

6. All ladies should endeavor to be in heels, and if they must wear flats, it should be uniform and only on Wednesdays. 

7. All units should stipulate the weekly uniform i.e. Choir, Ushers e.t.c. 

B. TIMING  

1. All workers are to be in church before 7:15a.m. on Sundays and 5:30p.m.on Wednesdays. 

2. Worker’s Training holds after every service

3. All ministration should adhere to stipulated time. 

4. All workers are expected in Service on Sundays and Wednesdays, and in the event of absence or late coming, permission should have been sought from their H.O.D and Team heads and granted a day before. 

C. CONDUCT  

1. No side talks during services. 

2. All phones should be silenced or switched off if not being used to take notes or read bible. 

3. All workers should take notes during teachings. 

4. Movement should be minimized during services. 

5. All workers should be sensitive to instructions coming from the pulpit. 

6. NO worker should sit down with close friends during services to avoid distractions. 

7. Ushers should avoid raising their voices when they have one or two things to do at back. 

8. Workers should freely share their academic challenges with the director for any intervention. 

D. GIVING 

1. All workers are expected to be Tithers. 

2. All workers are expected to be part of any project which might involve a level of sacrifice. 

3. All workers are expected to honor their Pastors from time to time with their giving. 

E. OUTREACH  

1. All shouters are first of all witnesses. 

2. All workers will live in the consciousness of talking to at least one person a day about Jesus Christ and S.G.C. 

F. RELATIONSHIP AND COURTSHIP  

1. All workers should declare and submit their relationship or courtship to the leadership of the church. 

2. As a worker, your intentions to date, ask a lady out or propose should be made known to the leadership of the church especially when both parties are members of S.G.C. 

3. Workers below the age of 20 are not allowed to begin a relationship. 

4. In the event of a breakup, time should be allowed to heal before venturing into another relationship. 

5. Co-habitation is not allowed in S.G.C. for any reason whatsoever. 

6. Pre-marital sex is not allowed as a worker in SGC. 

7. Night clubbing, swimming pool parties and any other ungodly involvement are not allowed. 

G. SPIRITUAL LIFE  

1. Every worker is expected to have a consistent time of fasting 2. Every worker is expected to read at least two chapters of the bible daily. 

3. Every worker is expected to speak in tongues for 30 minutes – 1 hour every day. 

4. Every worker is expected to stay free from all forms of exuberances like drinking alcohol, partying e.t.c. 

H. SOCIAL LIFE  

1. Workers are not expected to gossip, complain or murmur about the church or the church leadership. All misunderstandings or grievances should be appropriately channeled to the Leadership through H.O.D’s and Team head. 

2. Strife, quarrels are not allowed among workers. Any worker found in strife will be suspended. 

3. Do not mock or make light of the church or the church leadership among friends. 

4. You are to defend the integrity and leadership of the church wherever you find opposing situations. 

5. Workers should make known any serious medical condition for relevant understanding, prayers and support. 

I. SOCIAL MEDIA LIFE 

1. All fliers, Pastor’s status updates on the church page should not only be liked, but also shared. 

This is important for all the workers. 

2. Every worker should have their own personal group or list that they broadcast church fliers and invitations to. 

3. All workers should use the KHC devotional. 

Family Structure And Functions 

WORSHIP FAMILY  

1. RHYTHMS OF GRACE  

a. To lead the church into God’s presence in our services. 

b. To minister in songs and worship as led by the spirit and according to the overall theme of the church. 

c. To pray in the spirit individually for at least thirty minutes before service. 

d. To plan, organize, and implement at least a concert once every quarter. 

2. WORSHIP TEAM  

a. To minister worship as led by the spirit and according to the overall theme of the church. 

b. To pray in the spirit individually for at least thirty minutes before service. 

2. JUNIOR CHURCH  

a. To ensure that the children are properly catered for during church service. 

b. To ensure that the right foundation is laid in the hearts of the children. 

c. To intercede on behalf of the children. 

d. To make proper use of study materials (i.e. audio-visuals) to aid teaching and learning. 

3. SGC PRAYER UNIT  

a. To stand in the gap for the church, pastorate, members, and prospects. 

b. To create a system for an all-week prayer meeting

c. Coordinate the weekly prayer meetings

d. Organize a once-in-a-quarter prayer retreat at a designated venue. 

e. To work together with the Church leadership in organizing Thursday prayer points. 

f. To create a prayer request box and treat the requests. 

g. To make sure workers attend every Saturday prayer meeting. 

h. Pre-service prayers are to be handled by Prayer Unit. (Sundays 7:30 and Wednesdays 5:30)

OUTREACH FAMILY 

1. EXPRESSIONS OF GRACE  

a. To present drama playlets every Sunday for not more than 7 minutes. 

b. To organize “Drama Day” once a year 

c. To organize on-the-street drama playlets occasionally for outreach purposes. 

2. KING’S DELIGHT  

a. To organize dance ministrations on Sundays 

b. Organize a dance drama outreach once in a quarter. 

3. OUTREACH UNIT  

a. To organize outreach programmes on a weekly basis 

b. To come up with special outreach programmes aimed at bringing people to church c. To work hand in hand with Expressions of Grace and Kings delight in coming up with outreach programmes 

4. SGC MEDIA  

a. To ensure that the audio messages are recorded in all services. 

b. To make sure all recordings are daily transferred into the hard drive. 

c. To ensure that all services are live-streamed to Facebook. 

d. To submit the batteries and chargers to the office after every service. 

e. To ensure the Camera is transferred to the office under lock and key. 

f. To ensure that no other person outside media unit handles church camera. 

g. To discourage taking personal pictures after services. 

h. To ensure lyrics are made ready a day before service. 

i. To make sure the lighting is appropriately switched off after every service 

5. SOCIAL MEDIA/ GRAPHICS  

a. Maintaining and Updating the church’s social media accounts (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, e.t.c.) 

b. Posting, Updating, and sharing of display pictures, write-ups, and other information related to the church’s social media account. 

c. Posting of display pictures for church members to share at least 48 hours before service. 

6. TECHNICAL/SOUND UNIT  

a. To make sure the sound is checked and ready 1 hour before service. 

b. To ensure that all equipments are properly kept. 

c. To make sure the batteries are charged for services. 

d. Respond to sound abnormalities during services without disturbing others. 

e. Work hand in hand with media to ensure that the audio messages are recorded and transferred into hard disk after services. 

f. Supervise handling of church equipment during events use. 

g. Ensure that Microphones are packed and kept safely after services

SERVICE FAMILY 

1. SANCTUARY KEEPERS  

a. To ensure that the venue is neat and ready for use at least 2 hours before service time. 

b. To ensure that the pulpit, stage, ornaments, chairs, fabrics are clean and dust free. 

c. To ensure that the surroundings of the tent is clean before and after services. 

d. To supervise and ensure the periodic washing of the tent. 

e. To periodically replace tissue paper, hand sanitizers, air fresheners and other toilet accessories in the toilets. 

f. To make sure the toilets are clean and ready for use every service day. 

g. To make sure that water is always available in the conveniences. 

2. USHERING UNIT  

a. To usher in members and guests into God’s presence with a smile. 

b. To appear smart, neat and well-dressed every Service day. 

c. To give priority to first timer, second timers and guests. 

d. To ensure record forms and first-timers forms are always available e. To position people to start sitting from the front. 

3. MEETERS AND GREETERS  

a. Must be in Church at least 30 minutes before service commences b. Must make members and visitors feel welcome by the way they are received Pre-Service and Post-Service. 

c. Knowing the names of the members will be an added advantage

4.WELFARE UNIT  

a. To see to the general well-being of the members. 

b. To acknowledge and celebrate members on their birthdays. 

c. To distribute foodstuffs to students at least once a year, especially during exams. 

d. To ensure guest ministers and pastors are well taken care of during Service days. 

e. To collaborate with the follow-up and counselling unit with regard to the welfare of members. 

CARE FAMILY 

1. PROTOCOL UNIT  

a. To arrive the meeting venue 30 minutes before service commences. 

b. They are responsible for pastoral care during the service. 

c. They are to receive guest ministers on arrival, and care for them throughout their stay

2. FOLLOW UP AND COUNSELLING 

a. To update members’ details in the first-timers database. 

b. To receive and attend to first-timers every Service day. 

c. To visit members in their homes at least once every quarter. 

d. To forward acute requests, challenges, and prayer points to the church leadership

3. PASTORAL CARE UNIT 

a. Work hand in hand with the follow-up unit to appreciate first-timers

b. Work hand in hand with the follow-up and unit HOD’s to check on absent members and church workers 

c. To see to the general well-being of the members.  

Download the below book and read 

Download Here – Dag Heward-Mills – Loyalty and Disloyalty

Written Assigment
Summarize the Book you have just read chapter by chapter 

Oral Assignment
Present an Oral review of the Book