CWW Week 37 - Gossip - Day 6
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Devotional: Put It Off — Letting Go of Gossip for a Life That Reflects Jesus
Scripture:
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
— Colossians 3:8 (NIV)
There’s something refreshing about a good spring clean. You open the windows, toss out the clutter, and suddenly everything feels lighter, clearer, more peaceful. In Colossians 3, Paul encourages believers to do the same — but not just with cupboards or garages — with our lives.
In verse 8, he gets specific. He lists the things that have no place in the life of someone who belongs to Jesus: anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language. Among them, slander — or what we might call gossip — stands out as one of the quiet, socially accepted sins we too easily ignore.
But Paul is clear: we must rid ourselves of it. Get it out. Toss it. Walk away from it. It doesn’t belong in the new life we’ve received in Christ.
Gossip Is a Heart Issue
When we think of gossip, it’s easy to picture a whispered conversation or a juicy tidbit passed around. But gossip is about more than just talking — it’s about the posture of our hearts. Paul puts it in the same sentence as malice — intentional harm — because gossip often flows from bitterness, jealousy, or frustration.
Sometimes it’s subtle. We disguise it as “sharing concerns” or “venting.” Other times, it’s laced with sarcasm or masked as humour. But if it’s not meant to build up, encourage, or bring truth in love, it’s not godly.
Colossians 3:8 reminds us that gossip isn’t just poor behaviour — it’s a sin that needs to be removed like a rotten garment.
Out With the Old, In With the New
Just a few verses earlier in Colossians 3:1–3, Paul reminds us that if we’ve been raised with Christ, we now live with a new identity. Our old selves — including old speech habits — no longer define us. Instead, we’re called to put on compassion, kindness, humility, and patience (v.12), and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (v.15).
So when gossip shows up — in our mouths, our messages, or our minds — it’s a sign the old self is creeping back in. But we don’t have to let it linger.
Like taking off dirty clothes after a hard day, we’re invited to put off gossip and slander — and put on Christ. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being willing to be transformed.
Gossip Grieves the Spirit
Paul’s letter to the Colossians is deeply relational. He’s urging the church to live in unity and love. Gossip does the opposite. It fractures trust, plants seeds of division, and distracts from the gospel message.
It also grieves the Holy Spirit. When we speak poorly of others — even when they’re not around — we’re resisting the very Spirit that’s working in us to shape us into the likeness of Christ.
That’s why Paul says, “rid yourselves.” Don’t toy with gossip. Don’t justify it. Get rid of it. It’s a spiritual toxin.
Aussie Culture and the Power of Words
In Aussie culture, we love a good yarn. We’re often casual in how we speak — light-hearted, cheeky, sometimes brutally honest. But our words still matter. And as Christians, we’re called to a higher standard.
We can still be real, honest, and have a laugh — but never at the cost of someone’s dignity. Whether it’s in a staffroom, a group chat, or around the family table, our conversations should reflect the heart of Jesus — full of grace and truth.
The Power of Choosing Silence
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can say is… nothing at all. When gossip starts, choosing to stay silent or walk away is an act of resistance. It says, “I don’t want to be part of tearing someone down.”
Better still, we can gently change the subject or even say something kind about the person being talked about. It’s not always easy — but it’s deeply Christlike.
Reflection Questions
- What kinds of conversations tempt you toward gossip or slander?
Are there patterns or people that pull you into unhealthy speech habits? - Have you developed ways to justify gossip in your life?
What excuses do you need to surrender to God today? - What would “putting off gossip” look like in your everyday relationships this week?
Think practically — at home, at work, or online.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Papa God,
Thank You that in Jesus, I’ve been given a new life — one where my words can bring peace, encouragement, and truth. I confess that I haven’t always used my speech in ways that honour You. I’ve gossiped, slandered, and spoken carelessly at times. Please forgive me.
Help me to recognise when gossip is creeping into my conversations and to be bold enough to walk away. Give me the strength to put off the old habits and put on a spirit of kindness, patience, and grace. Let my words reflect Your heart, whether I’m speaking with someone or about someone.
Make me a person who builds up, not tears down. Let my speech shine with the love and truth of Jesus.
In His precious name,
Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood.
