Week 3: Gossip
November 12 & 15, 2026
Gossip: Communicating false claims or negative statements about another person.
Slander: abusive words falsely or negatively spoken that damage another person.Gossip damages the one talked about, the one saying it, and the one listening to it.
Confession is the antidote to gossip.
Everything that is said must be true, but not everything that is true must be said
“He who is fond of chewing away at the lives of others is not worthy of sitting at this table.” St. Augustine’s sign over his table.
The number one way people are evangelized and give their life to Christ is through words.
How to speak into hard situations.
Don’t talk about that person. Talk to the person.
Encouragement is always first. Correcting comes with love and grace.
Practice this week:
Stop the gossip.
Practice the art of speaking words of life into people, and pray the Lord will give you the right words at the right time
[d]Group Questions
Read James 3:2–12 | The Power of Our Words.
James compares our words to a small spark capable of setting an entire forest on fire. Gossip has become so normal that we sometimes mistake it for entertainment or harmless conversation. Where do you see gossip disguised as entertainment, humor, concern, or even prayer requests? How might participating in or listening to those conversations be shaping your heart?Read Proverbs 20:19; 26:20–22 | When the Truth Becomes Gossip.
Everything we say should be true, but not everything that’s true needs to be said. How do you distinguish between sharing a legitimate concern and gossiping about someone? What might your motives reveal about your heart, and how can confession help you recognize where you’ve crossed that line?Read Ephesians 4:15, 29 | Speaking Truth That Builds Up.
Our words can either make it easier or harder for people to experience the love of Jesus. How might something you’ve said—or passed along—have discouraged someone from seeking help, finding community, or taking a step toward Jesus? How can we intentionally use our words to create a community where people feel safe, welcomed, and encouraged to pursue Him?Read James 3:9–12; Ephesians 4:29 | Practice Speaking Life.
Trey challenged us to practice speaking life into others and to pray for the right words at the right time. Where is God inviting you to stop gossip in its tracks, confess something you’ve said, or intentionally encourage someone this week? What would it look like to put that into practice?
Closing Prayer Prompt
Read Psalm 141:3
Ask God to guard your mouth and reveal where your words have hurt others or contributed to gossip. As you’re comfortable, confess where you’ve fallen short and pray for one another to speak truth with love, courageously stop gossip, and use your words to help others experience the love of Jesus.