What did Jesus say about Gossip

Jesus’ teachings often emphasized love, forgiveness, and the avoidance of harmful actions and words towards others, which indirectly speaks against the act of gossiping. While Jesus did not explicitly use the word “gossip” in His teachings, several passages in the New Testament, inspired by Jesus’ teachings and the ethos of Christian living, address the harm caused by spreading rumors or engaging in idle talk about others.

One relevant passage is Matthew 12:36-37, where Jesus says, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” This passage highlights the seriousness with which we should treat our words and the potential consequences of our speech.

Another pertinent teaching is found in Matthew 7:1-5, where Jesus discusses judgment and the importance of self-examination before criticizing others: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” This teaching encourages humility and self-reflection, discouraging behaviors such as gossip that often stem from a judgmental heart.

Three main takeaways from Jesus’ teachings that relate to gossiping are:

1. Accountability for Our Words: Jesus emphasizes that we will be held accountable for every word we speak, encouraging us to speak with kindness and consideration.
2. The Importance of Love and Forgiveness: Jesus’ overarching message is one of love and forgiveness, which stands in opposition to the harm caused by gossip.
3. Self-Examination Before Judging Others: Before speaking about or judging others, we are encouraged to reflect on our own faults and behaviors, promoting a culture of humility and self-improvement over judgment and criticism.

These principles, derived from Jesus’ teachings, form a strong foundation against the act of gossiping, guiding us towards more loving and constructive forms of communication.