Two-minute read.
“Did you hear that so and so had this happen?” Dainty morsels usually start with a statement like the opening phrase. Someone discovers something about another person and can’t wait to share it. People lean in when juicy gossip enters the conversation. The more we hear, the more we want to hear.
Trader Joe’s sells bite-sized dark chocolate peanut butter cups. The store displays them at the register, and every time I shop there, I can’t resist the temptation of the delicious treats. When I bring them home, they only last a day or two; having one makes me want another. The mixture of peanut butter and chocolate proves a dainty morsel that I find hard to resist.
Gossip does the same thing. When we hear of someone’s misdeeds, our human nature wants to know more. Sad but true, often listening to gossip makes us feel better about ourselves because we don’t have that issue. Focusing on someone else’s problems effectively keeps our minds off our struggles.
Unfortunately, gossip typically doesn’t tell the entire story, leaving out the whole truth. When a neighbor’s yard became overgrown, dainty morsels of why peppered the community. When the truth came out that a medical illness prevented the person from mowing their yard, it debunked all the myths, and people felt remorse for believing the lies.
Don’t fall into the trap of gossip. When someone starts sharing a dainty morsel, stop them. If you don’t start down the rabbit trail of gossip, you will avoid its pitfalls. Instead, seek truth and don’t believe everything you hear.
Journal Question:
When has gossip affected you personally?
In what ways do dainty morsels tempt you?
How can you prevent rumors from getting started?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for helping us understand the pitfalls of gossip, and how dainty morsels can lead to big problems. Please help us stop gossip before it gets started by seeking Your truth instead of juicy tidbits.
IJNIP. Amen
