1. HOW DO WE KNOW IF IT IS GOSSIP?
James 3:1-8

2. Motives to Gossip Seeking Attention 1 Thessalonians 4:11 2 Thess. 3:11
5/10/2015
Seeking Attention 1 Thessalonians 4: Thess. 3:11
Show off what they know about somebody 1 Cor. 8:1 knowledge puffs up, but love builds up
Malice 1 Peter 2:1
1 Tim. 6:4 evil surmisings
Idle talk 1 Tim. 5:13; Psalm 12:2 absence of malice does not justify wrong behavior

3. Before you say something about somebody, ask:
Is it true? Prov. 21:28
Is it helpful? Neh. 6:17-19 example of truthful but malicious
1 Cor. 6:12 not all things are helpful
Is it loving? Prov. 18:8
1 Cor. 16:14 do everything with love
Lev. 19:15-18

4. Before you say something about somebody, ask:
Is it what I wish people would say about me? Matt. 7:12, Lev. 19:18
Is it any of my business? Prov. 30:10 Do not malign a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.
Have I talked to him first? Prov.25:9-10
Matt. 18:15-17 the wisdom of Jesus