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Gossip · 5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids.

• 0:31
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to another episode of 5 Minute Parenting.
• 0:35
  SPEAKER_00: Today we're going to talk about an unpopular subject called gossip.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_00: Whether we admit it or not, we have a fascination with gossip.
• 0:43
  SPEAKER_00: This fascination is why talk shows, tabloids, and even social media are so popular.
• 0:50
  SPEAKER_00: We just can't get enough of the juicy details that leave our mouth hanging wide open with shock.
• 0:56
  SPEAKER_00: Even though we like gossip, we hardly ever call ourselves gossipers.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_00: In fact, we don't really even like to use the word gossip.
• 1:04
  SPEAKER_00: It's such a strong word when all we are doing is sharing the truth.
• 1:08
  SPEAKER_00: To make us feel better, we disguise our gossip by saying that we are discussing our feelings, sharing our concerns, or giving a prayer request.
• 1:18
  SPEAKER_00: But if we were to be really truthful, we are gossiping.
• 1:23
  SPEAKER_00: We can excuse it and try to justify why we are doing that, but it's still gossip.
• 1:28
  SPEAKER_00: Webster's dictionary defines gossip as casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people.
• 1:38
  SPEAKER_00: But let's see what God says.
• 1:40
  SPEAKER_00: 1 Timothy 5.13 describes gossip as meddling another person's business and talking about things they shouldn't.
• 1:50
  SPEAKER_00: So when we talk about the details of someone's life to another person, for no reason other than to talk about them, we are gossiping.
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: Even if no harm is meant, it's the confirmed truth, or even if someone is being plain idiotic, it is still gossip and it's wrong.
• 2:09
  SPEAKER_00: Romans 1.29 even calls it wicked.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: Ouch.
• 2:14
  SPEAKER_00: When we step back and think about how we are revealing embarrassing and shameful details about another person's lives, details that do nothing but damage their reputation, we can see how gossip is wicked.
• 2:28
  SPEAKER_00: Gossip is never uplifting or encouraging, and we must realize that gossip, no matter what the situation, is wrong.
• 2:36
  SPEAKER_00: If we take gossip to the extreme, we see it all around us.
• 2:41
  SPEAKER_00: Political candidates resort to it to booster their position and trash their opponents.
• 2:47
  SPEAKER_00: Doesn't matter if it's true or not.
• 2:50
  SPEAKER_00: Over the next few days, let's start asking God to put a deep love for people into our life.
• 2:55
  SPEAKER_00: Allow him to burden our heart for how our words can either hurt or encourage those around us.
• 3:02
  SPEAKER_00: Ask Him to warn us when we get too close to that line of gossip.
• 3:07
  SPEAKER_00: Also, gossip is the backbone and basis for bullying, and we need to teach our children about what God says about gossip.
• 3:15
  SPEAKER_00: Bullying is a huge problem starting even in elementary school.
• 3:20
  SPEAKER_00: And gossip can be the fire that ignites bullying.
• 3:24
  SPEAKER_00: Ask your child to ask themselves these questions before speaking or posting gossip about someone.
• 3:32
  SPEAKER_00: Why do you want to share this information about someone?
• 3:35
  SPEAKER_00: To make the other person feel bad about themselves?
• 3:39
  SPEAKER_00: To get back at someone for something they did to you because everyone else is doing that and you don't want to be excluded from the group?
• 3:49
  SPEAKER_00: When tempted to gossip or bully someone, tell them to pray and ask God to help them not to spread lies or use them to bully others.
• 4:01
  SPEAKER_00: Don't repeat what others tell them that maybe gossip.
• 4:06
  SPEAKER_00: Encourage them to walk away or just say they're not sure it's true and they don't want to repeat it.
• 4:12
  SPEAKER_00: And have them think about how they would feel if someone said this about them.
• 4:18
  SPEAKER_00: So over the next few days, let's ask God to put love in our heart.
• 4:24
  SPEAKER_00: Allow him to burden our heart for how our words can either hurt or encourage those around us.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_00: And let him warn us and our children when we get too close to that line of gossip.