Positive Gossip

I used a textbook once that talked about relating to others in an office. One danger that the book admonished students to avoid was negative gossip. Obviously, this blog has made similar statements. But, if you're discussing negative gossip, then that brings up the question--what is positive gossip? According to this textbook, positive gossip is telling others about the good things that someone else has done, kind of spreading praise behind someone's back--if a coworker accomplishes something, bragging about him or her to others, or let your supervisor know how easy so-and-so is to work with. This secular textbook described positive gossip as a way to build relationships, to be well-liked by your peers. From a Christian standpoint, this idea of positive gossip shouldn't be anything new. It is spreading joy, using your tongue to bless instead of to curse (James 3:9-12).

The opposite of this is constantly challenging everyone around you, vying for achievements of your own while denegrating those of your colleagues. Be careful about that. That was the same trouble that James and John got into as they asked Jesus to “promote” them ahead of the other disciples.

Be free with your praise of others. Spread the bragging rights around and see what some positive gossip can do for your workplace.