Gossip

You may know the old joke, "I don't gossip, but I can tell you someone who does!" The old form of gossip - literally word of mouth stories shared person to person - still happens. As someone said to me yesterday, 'You know what this estate is like. Stories go round like wild fire, and people believe anything.'
But modern forms of gossip are potentially even more dangerous. Stories and comments on Facebook and Twitter circulate far and wide and very fast. Friendships and families are being ruined daily by comments made in the virtual world. Is there anything we can do?
St. James, obviously writing about the old form of gossip, has some very sharp things to say. 'In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.' (James 3.5,7-8)
It would help us and other people if we spoke less about what we have heard from others. That is hard, as at times, being the first to pass on news gives us a sense of importance. But before we do that, we need to ask three significant questions.
Is it true? We must check the facts in any story.
Is it kind? Even if it true, we are called to be kind to one another.
Is it necessary? Often, we only pass on stories because we don't want to miss out on the buzz that comes from being the bearer of some juicy tale.
May we never have the reputation of being those who destroy reputations by what we say or share over the internet.
Best wishes,
Richard