In a recent Christianity Today article, Kate Shellnutt explains how accusations of gossip are frequently used to silence critics and whistleblowers. Indeed, the investigation into the debacle at Ravi Zacharias Ministries revealed how those who voiced legitimate concerns were accused of “spreading rumors.” As Christians, we need to understand what gossip is and the difference between it and biblically addressing wrong behavior to resolve conflicts.

What is Gossip?

Gossip is basically sharing anything critical or negative about someone with those not in a position to do anything about it. John Piper expands this definition saying gossip is “derogatory information about someone that you have that is shared with others in a tone of confidentiality, that is not motivated by doing good to them, and that you are enjoying in a way that shows your heart is not humble.” Shellnut concurs saying, “Gossip is not so much a category of speech as a motivation to speak…fueled by selfishness.”

Such a definition demonstrates that gossip doesn’t have to be something false, but it can be something true that is shared to indulge our own pride or hurt someone’s reputation. Often such carnal motivation is disguised as a prayer concern and is no less sinful. Before engaging in talk about others we would do well to examine our hearts and remember that God knows our true motivation.

When is it not gossip?

It is not gossip to tell the truth to those who are in a position to guide you in responding to abuse or injustice. It is not gossip when your heart motivation is to “speak the truth in love” with a design to resolve a problem and honor Christ. The apostle Paul warned others of the harm Alexander the coppersmith had done and urged his readers to be on their guard against him. (2 Timothy 4)

A person who has suffered an injustice, abuse, or knows of misconduct should not be dissuaded from following scriptural protocol because they fear being accused of gossip, slander, or spreading malicious rumors. According to Wade Mullen, author of Something’s Not Right, bosses and leaders retaliate to genuine concerns with ad hominem attacks. He says they respond to exposure by “misrepresenting the truth-teller’s moral and ethical reasons for telling others, casting them as bitter and revengeful persons who are just spreading rumors.”

Follow Jesus’ Instruction

The Old Testament clearly commands, “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people.” (Leviticus 19:16) The apostle Paul instructs, “Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses.” (1 Timothy 5:19) Yet, when it comes to resolving conflicts, we are best informed by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-20. How often churches have been split and reputations destroyed because Christians have failed to follow our Lord’s instruction in this passage.

In fact, social media has only exacerbated the problem of gossip. Shellnutt reported that one company that consults Christian employers is seeing “more clients adding no-gossip clauses to their handbooks, particularly since social media gives people a greater reach to broadcast potentially damaging information.

Making Church Healthy

The reason we must guard against gossip in our churches isn’t to avoid drama or constructive criticism. Christians should avoid gossip in order to make the church a safe place where people are free to speak truth, not out of revenge or discontent, but out of a desire to live in unity with their brothers and sisters in Christ.

In over forty years of ministry, I have personally experienced the evil effects of gossip and have witnessed the hurt the human tongue can inflict on others. I’ve also learned to ignore secondhand information about other people while keeping an open ear to legitimate concerns and criticisms. Still, gossip is something all of us need to avoid and that all of us should pray with the Psalmist, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)