• Introduction
    • Matthew 5:13 – Jesus commands His disciples to be different and let their light shine.
    • Ephesians 4:29
    • I Thessalonians 4:13-17 – The Bible uses euphemisms.
  • Do I use any of these euphemisms?
    • “Venting”
    • “Explaining”
    • “Teaching”
    • “Sharing examples”
    • “Truth”
    • II Corinthians 12:20; Colossians 3:8; I Peter 2:1
  • Major areas of temptation
    • School
      • Students, teachers, parents, administrators
      • “Love is kind” – I Corinthians 13:4
    • Work
      • Boss, underlings, fellow employees, former employees, former bosses
      • “Love your enemies” – Luke 6:27
    • Church
      • Sinners, former sinners, elders, elderships, preachers, elders/deacons/preachers’ wives/families, teachers, students. Local and elsewhere!
      • Proverbs 6:19 – “One who spreads strife among brothers is an abomination to the Lord.”
  • Is it I?
    • Romans 12:15
    • Ephesians 4:29; I Corinthians 6:6-8
    • What am I hoping for?
      • Proverbs 17:4
    • What do I do about it?
      • Do I only talk about it?
      • Luke 6:27-28, 35
    • What is my goal?
    • Does it motivate or demotivate me?
      • I Corinthians 13:6
    • Do I seek it or shy away from it?
    • What do others think of the people in my life?
    • What version of the story am I more likely to accept as true – negative or positive?
      • I Corinthians 13:7
    • Does it make me feel more self-righteous?
      • Luke 18:9-14
  • Strategies for success
    • Stop talking
      • Proverbs 10:19; James 1:19
    • Flee temptation
      • I Corinthians 10:13-14; Hebrews 12:13
    • Address the heart
      • Mark 7:20-22
    • Find interests, passion for profitable things
      • Proverbs 10:20
    • Put yourself in the situation
      • Matthew 7:12; Galatians 5:14; Ephesians 4:31
    • Accountability partner
    • Find an example
    • Don’t make excuses!
  • Summary
    • James 1:27; 3:8-12
    • If we are gossiping, we are not serving God correctly!
    • Psalms 15:1-3; 50:16, 20
    • Ephesians 4:29
    • Colossians 3:8, 12