Reverse Gossip

Reverse gossip is an idea that the Bible study I attend and I want to put into practice more.

We recently finished reading through a Bible study book called, "Speaking Wisely: Exploring the Power of Words" by Poppy Smith. One of the subjects she covered was gossip. We had a great discussion on how to handle it using actual examples supplied by attendees.

It's shameful to confess, but even I have gossiped before. I did today and regret it. When I had the chance to lift someone up, I took the chance to tear them down and make them look bad. That was wrong of me. Although what the person did was wrong, I could have turned the situation away from their faults and complimented their strengths. Hence the idea of reverse gossip or encouragement.

I've been gossiped about at a previous job, and unintentionally overheard it. It wasn't about me so much as it was about my work performance and the lack of productivity due to my inexperience. It was very painful to hear and I went home and sobbed in discouragement to my parents.

No one wants to be gossiped about and no one wants to be known as a gossiper. So why do it? Because we like to be entertained. Negative things happening to another person entertaining to us for some twisted reason.

So my challenge to you (and myself), my kind readers, is to practice reverse gossip this week. Keep at it until it because a habit. Look at the person from different angles, put yourself in their shoes, empathize with them. You'd be surprised how differently you look at things when you give them the benefit of the doubt. ;)

~Twyla