I paused before answering. I didn’t want to get embroiled in starting rumors about a coworker. “I’d rather not speculate about what may or may not be going on.”

Amber shrugged. “I’m just curious.”

“I understand, but I think if Jennifer wanted to share her situation with us she already would have. Besides, a few months ago, the Lord convicted me about the way I was gossiping, and I asked Him to help me not to do it anymore.”

“You’re right, Claire,” Amber said. “I guess I just love the drama.”

When we gossip about others, we aren’t giving them grace, and we’re setting ourselves up as their judge. Romans 2:1 says, “Therefore, any one of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things.” And Proverbs 20:19 gives us clear advice: “The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.”

God asks us to follow His example and extend grace to other people who have offended us. In doing so we are following His command to love others as we love ourselves (see Matt. 22:39).

If you find yourself in a situation where someone is being talked about, or if you are the one who started gossiping, stop. Ask God to help you steer clear of all gossip and avoid being judgmental. Give the same measure of grace to others that God has given to you.