Gossip

by Marcus Yip, Gr. 6

Gossip can be described as malicious or idle talk about the faults of others and usually consists of talking about untrue testimony of another behind their back.

One should never listen to gossip, but if encountered, one should say, “I’m not interested and/or I’m not going with this.” One can also tell those who are gossiping to stop and if that doesn’t work, at least you know that you tried and didn’t just walk away without doing anything.

Gossip is also bad because it ruins another’s reputation and often, is against the truth, and God’s truth.  As a result, one would be disobeying God who is truth.  When Jesus Christ was before Pilate He said, “I have come to testify to the Truth.” Therefore, we need to be careful to only speak truth.  In addition, Gossip can consist of something true, but can still be harmful.  For example, one could say, Bob had a D- on his test, although this statement is true, it is not charitable or prudent to say so.

Furthermore, if one has gossiped, one must make restitution and go to confession to be forgiven.  In addition, one must pray for the graces necessary to stop spreading hurtful comments about others, and for the strength necessary to change’s one mind to a different topic.  This is what one must do if one is tempted to gossip or listen to gossip.