Recently, someone brought up things that were being said about them that also included me in conversations. It was pretty upsetting to that person. I told them that no matter what, it’s an endless effort to change the thoughts and the words of gossipers. Gossipers gossip from a place of insecurity, fear, and hatred. I encouraged this person that people will always have an opinion or perception of who they think others are. When you live life according to purpose, that’s enough for people to talk. The best thing we can do is focus on ourselves and invest in the relationships of those closest to us.
I’ve allowed the words of others to hurt me too many times in the past. I’ve learned that the only person affected by gossip isn’t the gossiper; it’s the person on the opposing side that listens to it. So now, when someone comes to me about what others are saying, I shut it down immediately. If I’m conversing with someone beginning to gossip, I walk away. I don’t get to control what others think and say; I only control what I think and say. People can be cruel and harsh, but they can also be loving and kind. I choose to see people by the light. I choose to spend time with those who are loving, kind, caring, and full of grace.
