The Positive-Negative Effect, aka Gossip!

Have you ever heard of anyone with the Positive-Negative Syndrome? They might state, for example, how kind a fellow believer is and then, right behind the syrupy sweet declaration, say something negative such as Can you believe what they did to so and so? Or did you notice what they were wearing in church? This type of gossip always boils down to seemingly positive praise followed by a negative utterance. Always.

The Bible teaches that we all will eat the fruit of our lips and be judged accordingly. The give and take with humans is how we communicate; we can’t escape that, but I have witnessed many who claim the name of Jesus yet stand and gossip in a crowd to those who are willing to listen. Be wise. Walk away if the Positive-Negative Syndrome begins. Rule of thumb: If anyone is talking about someone else to you or you are around anyone who is talking about someone, I guarantee you they will talk about you behind your back. Don’t be fooled.

Be wise about the company you keep. One bad apple can ruin the whole bunch. Sometimes, you must love people from afar until you are strong enough in the Lord to be around them and able to minister to them about the PNS. Stand up for the truth of God’s Word.

Molly

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21)