If you are on social media, you are no doubt aware of the discussions that are taking place concerning how irresponsible people are with their words. The saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me” is rubbish. Take it from someone who received negative comments 20 or more years ago that I still have to fight to get past sometimes.

Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,
Who sharpen their tongue like a sword,
And bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words,
That they may shoot in secret at the blameless;
Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.  ~Psalm 64:2-4

I have come to the conclusion that it is human nature to judge others, but we have a choice of whether or not to follow through with our inclination. And once we decide to vocalize the judgment to someone other than the person we are judging, it becomes gossip, which is also a sin. James 3:10 says:

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

If you are really concerned about a person, Jesus laid out some clear guidelines that you should follow:

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  ~Matthew 18:15-17

I daresay most people are not gossiping out of genuine concern for a person’s soul. They are most likely trying to feel better about themselves by tearing someone else down, or they are professional fault finders which I feel falls under the category of Romans 16:17 which says:

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

Tearing people down does not accomplish anything positive. If someone’s heart is toward the Lord, He will show them where they need to change. There may even be a time where you can share your concerns face to face in a humble way, and God might use that to produce positive results. But the Pharisaical, “I’m glad I’m not like ___________” has no place in the Body of Christ. Let’s all be more diligent to weigh our words and our motives so that we can be effective in the work God has called us to do.