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| When is it really our business to speak about others? |
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Thank you, HonnieBunnie007, for suggesting this topic!
Many people have a fascination with mystery, from "juicy" secrets to unconfirmed theories. Many like to fantasize about the what-ifs and all the possibilities of the unknown. Some even find it exciting.
And then there's talking about other people...behind their backs. That's where there's great potential for pain and misunderstandings and broken trust.
Many people have a fascination with mystery, from "juicy" secrets to unconfirmed theories. Many like to fantasize about the what-ifs and all the possibilities of the unknown. Some even find it exciting.
And then there's talking about other people...behind their backs. That's where there's great potential for pain and misunderstandings and broken trust.
Gossip is unrestrained conversation about a person that typically includes details that may not be confirmed true. Such rumors have the potential to hurt the person being chatted about, as such talk can spread slander (hurting the person's reputation and relationships) or even false hope—only to be hit with disappointment and backlash when those high expectations aren't met.
Sadly celebrities are especially not immune to this treatment. There are news reports and talk shows dedicated to celebrity gossip on television. People often forget that those who are famous are still humans no different from us and with a right to privacy just like anyone else.
One of the ten commandments states to "not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16).
But when is it okay to speak about another person without their knowledge? What about when there's a genuine concern, especially when there's potential harm or danger involved, for either the person or others? Such concern, although not necessarily confirmed, wouldn't be considered gossip, would it? Gossip tends to be rooted in inconsideration, selfishness, or maliciousness.
But what if those concerns have the potential to hurt their reputation by spreading false information? This is where I'd have to ask if it'd be better to confront the actual person rather than talk about them to other people (besides God) without their knowledge. Misunderstandings can and often do lead to bigger problems that probably could've been avoided with good communication. Then again, the scenario may sound rather situational and potentially complicated, especially if involving secrets.
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Curious Questions to Consider:
Is all talk about a person without their knowledge considered gossip?
What are your thoughts on celebrity gossip?
What do you do when a person tries to gossip to you about someone else?
When is it okay to speak about others? Is reporting a genuine concern about another person considered gossip?
Let's say you know someone with a possible "secret". You're unsure if this "secret" is good or bad, but they're not telling you. You're having some concerns, perhaps even suspicions. There may or may not be some evidence to back up your theory(ies). If your concerns, though not confirmed true, have the potential to harm that person's reputation or relationship(s), what would you do? Would you report it to someone anyway, even if it could be a misunderstanding? Or do you stay out of their business?
When should we get involved, and when should we stay out of someone's business?
Gossip often involves speaking badly about another person. But is speaking too well about a person (or the potential of overhype) also a form of gossip?
How would you feel if you learned that someone was talking about you behind your back? What would you do? How would you confront that person?
Is all talk about a person without their knowledge considered gossip?
What are your thoughts on celebrity gossip?
What do you do when a person tries to gossip to you about someone else?
When is it okay to speak about others? Is reporting a genuine concern about another person considered gossip?
Let's say you know someone with a possible "secret". You're unsure if this "secret" is good or bad, but they're not telling you. You're having some concerns, perhaps even suspicions. There may or may not be some evidence to back up your theory(ies). If your concerns, though not confirmed true, have the potential to harm that person's reputation or relationship(s), what would you do? Would you report it to someone anyway, even if it could be a misunderstanding? Or do you stay out of their business?
When should we get involved, and when should we stay out of someone's business?
Gossip often involves speaking badly about another person. But is speaking too well about a person (or the potential of overhype) also a form of gossip?
How would you feel if you learned that someone was talking about you behind your back? What would you do? How would you confront that person?
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to endorse back talk or bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding rumors or secrets. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to endorse back talk or bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding rumors or secrets. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Credit goes to HonnieBunnie007 for suggesting this topic.
Cover image courtesy of Tophee Marquez.
(Written on November 17, 2019.)
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For me it boils down to one thing, whose glory do we seek? Legitimate concern for the welfare of others should be manifested first and foremost in intercessory prayer to Almighty God for that person. We should lean on the Holy Spirit's direction regarding how to respond in these cases. In comparison, spreading or passing on unconfirmed rumors, even out of genuine concern, even when guised in the form of a prayer request, should make us pause to reflect our heart and our motivation. Also, some people are very private about their personal life, and this should be respected and honored. In the end, we must value and honor other people with our speech (including texts and social media). We must be cautious.
ReplyDeleteHey I think your writing is quite thought provoking... I personally like it very much. I will write a piece in my blog discussing my opinions in regard to the curious questions you posed... The comment section is too short to write I feel. I hope you will check it out...
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading! Send a link if you do. Will look forward to reading your thoughts.
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