A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.
Proverbs 18:8 

Ever notice how exciting it is to hear the latest scoop of the budding romance at camp? And isn’t it fun to share with other staffers the odd things you saw campers doing and the crazy things you heard them saying? Isn’t it thrilling to be on the cutting edge for new policies and changes? In our daily talk at camp there is a world of danger. 

The danger is gossip. 

Gossip can be so alluring. Sometimes it’s not true. Sometimes it’s embellished. Very often it’s unkind or unflattering. But in every case gossip is always forbidden. 

No matter if it’s as enjoyable as choice food, when it goes down into the gut it stays there poisoning all our future thoughts about that person or circumstance. This does not please God. 

The hard thing is figuring out what is gossip and what isn’t. More than once I’ve found myself saying to someone, “I’m not sure if this is gossip or not, but ...” and then I proceed to tell all. And I’ve often justified what I’m sharing by saying that it’s common knowledge or affirming that I know for a fact that it’s true. Usually with later reflection I must admit that when I’ve made excuses or qualified it, deep down I knew that it was gossip. If your heart gives you pause then maybe your mouth should listen. There’s never any harm in not saying it. 

Not only does gossip take place at snack time, by the pool, on a hike, or in the cabin, but it can also occur during staff prayer times. If it’s something that you shouldn’t be sharing with others, then God’s wants you to pray about it, not ask others to pray about it. 

There’s another way you can resist the allure of gossip. When someone starts sharing something with you that might potentially be gossip, politely interrupt and ask, “Is this gossip?” If it is, graciously change the subject. Seek ways to put kindness, truth, and grace into your conversations not gossip