Gossip corrupts worship. Everything outside of God's word can potentially corrupt our life with God.

Talking about another person's private life is sinful indulgence. It's ungodly chatter that corrupts fellowship and personal prayer life. It ends up wrecking the faith of some believers and ministers (2 Timothy 2:16-18).

No corrupt communication should come from our mouths (Ephesians 4:29-31). God has set us up to edify, encourage and comfort others through His word. We end up grieving the Holy Spirit when we gossip or speak evil.

PRACTICAL INSTANCES OF CORRUPTION OWING TO GOSSIP include;

• Many saints with relatives in ministry have suffered damage because of all the inside information or gossip of other ministers and believers.

• Gossip among weak saints leads to unnecessary confusion and ungodly fear.

• Immature youth helping the church often share the private information of ministers. Some exaggerate or give their flawed views about what goes on in the church.

• Frustrated ministers often share private conversations in church with believers. Some even call up believers and lie about other ministers.

• Some believers who don't get their way in church spread gossip and lies.

WHAT DOES THE WORD OF GOD TEACH US ABOUT OUR MOUTHS?

• Don't give wood to strange fire (Proverbs 26:20).

• King David prays for help from God to keep his lips from evil. (Psalms 141:3)

• James warns us to bridle the tongue because it can lead a person to hell. (James 1:26)

• Peter and Paul warn about controlling the mouth from evil talk (1 Peter 2:1) (Romans 1:30).

• Never speak evil of another man (Titus 3:2).

• King Solomon instructs us to guard our hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23).

Dear believer, let your heart be full of praise and worship to God always. When we worship in Spirit and Truth, we will hate all forms of evil. We will love the light of God's truth and desire Him alone.

Desire holiness.

Prepare yourself to meet God.

Maranatha, Praise God, and Amen.