Gossip, Slander, Falsehood

I was listening to a sermon which talks about this. The speaker mentioned that before you talk about people, go through this checklist. It's really a good formula to make you pause and think before you accidentally start a gossip... slander or pass on a falsehood. (even though it is unintentional... but the harm would have been done)

Formula on talking about people. Ask yourself these few questions.

THINK

Is it True?

Is it Helpful?

Is it Inspiring?

Is it Necessary?

Is it Kind?

RESPONSE (if the gossip is about you)

IF it is true – Mend your ways

Flat denial

Purpose of Gossip

Don’t waste time defending

Distract – get us off focus – lose vision

Discredit - Question motive

Discourage – weaken hands

Deceive – compromise our integrity

Conclusion
Think twice before you say anything about anyone. Even though it is true (and not beneficial), but by the time the word gets back to the real person, the salt and spice added to the story would have made it into a real juicy gossip mixed with fiction and truth.