How do I go about people gossiping?

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Sorry for misunderstanding anything, and glad things are working out.
 
Gossip is shallow, busybody, sinfulness. Which just means they need our prayers, not anger. Anger is our normal, survival instinct reaction so don’t feel badly about it. However, we are here to learn how to rise above our lower instincts. Generally, anger is in the same bottom-dwelling, emotional category as gossip.

Jesus recommends not fighting fire with fire, which is what turning the other cheek means. For instance, if someone insults us, instead of raising the ante with anger or delivering another insult, you can say something like: “Ok, you have a point there.” By not giving our opponent anything to grab onto and escalate, we are essentially depriving evil of oxygen. Of course, we should learn to do this out of love, not for the sake of winning.

Therefore, by ignoring their comments, not letting it bother you, praying for their wellbeing and healing, and turning it over to the Holy Spirit, you will be advancing spirituality in the ways of the Lord.

I myself am still learning this and, in your situation, would have reacted less admirably. I would probably have raised my hand and asked the instructor, “Is gossip a sin?” He/she would have replied in the affirmative and I would have responded, “Would you please explain that to the kind ladies over there?”
 
For everyone’s sake, I’m going to break this up into paragraphs.

So I’ve been going to bible study for a few weeks and at first I was somewhat shy and like anyone, scared to be judged when talking out loud. The guy having the Bible study class assured me that this was a safe place that everything in there stays there like all classes held at church should be, right?

I felt really comfortable in that class I didn’t feel like anyone was judgmental until I went to RCIA and they’re both held at the same time and same day so I didn’t go to my normal bible study but to RCIA with my boyfriend since he’s just getting his confirmation and I thought I could give him company this time while learning more about the Catholic faith because that’s the main reason why I felt the need to go.

I went 2 times recently and the first time I really liked what they had to teach and everyone was very talkative saying some really enlightening stuff. But this one woman from the 2 times I’ve been there has been talking about how she’s a “big gossip” as she calls herself. And I didn’t really think anything of it, didn’t judge her for it because I just thought “oh well she’s acknowledging it so she’s probably trying to be better”.

This other person in RCIA that I encouraged to go let me know that the second time I went that woman and this other one were talking about me and how I made a face when the topic of Joe Biden and his political views being different from his religious views. I don’t recall ever making a negative face but it could have been I made a face of surprise because that was the first time hearing about that. (I don’t really watch the news) But they were talking about me and who I was and the person that let me know was contemplating already to stop going to the classes because of the gossiping.

She’s heard the 2 ladies talking about me gossip before and even the teacher. I am not hurt knowing people gossip about me it does make me a little angry that these people who seem to think they’re holier than thou and are doing this when we are in a happy environment and straying away from sinning should be at the all time high at the time. We just got out of church we just had an amazing class and the first thing you do is gossip going back to your biggest weakness?

I just don’t understand. I was wanting to confront the ladies and ask why they would possibly think judging me is okay for something as little as me making a face. I do not want the person I encouraged to go to that class leave the church completely because of people like this. This is my biggest issue. With her going she could be encouraging more people to become closer to the church and I just don’t want her to stray away from a good place just because of a few people.

Should I bring this up to the pastor? And what could I possibly say to the person I encouraged to go so she can fight through this and stay? Should I confront those ladies gossiping?
 
I do not like gossips, one of my favorite rules by my parents was do not say anything about anyone that you would not say to their face. I have lived by that rule and has served me well.

Now I have been gossiped about, and I am a confront me type person. I just go up to them and say if you want to talk about me behind my back, make sure you get your fact straight. So anytime you want to know anything about me, just come and ask, I will give you a book full and it will be a lot more interesting. That usually leaves them speechless with shocked looks.

My second pet peeve is when people talk on their cell phones and gossiping about others. One way I teach them a lesson is by listening in and getting the first name they are talking bad about and loud enough for everyone to hear. (for this example I will use the name Mary) So just at the right time, I will give the person a big shocked look and say to them Omygosh, I can’t believe that about Mary, I can’t wait to tell Jean about her. Their look is priceless, they shut down their conversation real fast. I even had one person beg me not to say anything, I told her that I will not lie if asked(of course they don’t know I don’t know the person) and it leaves them a lot to think about. I know gossip won’t stop, but if I can make people stop and think about it, I feel I did some good.
 
Maybe, next time this woman says that she’s a big gossip, say something like ‘I know’ or ‘so I’ve heard’.

If people she’s gossiped to hear this, they might be less likely to take her seriously in the future. Who knows? It may even have an effect on her!
 
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