Dealing with gossip, slander, and backbiting can prove to be quite a challenge. King David openly discussed his experience in Psalm 41:5-9 when he said, ‘my enemies say of me in malice, “when will he die and his name perish?” when one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around.’

The adversary excels in causing destruction, and in recent times, he has effectively employed fellow Christians to tarnish other believers through the use of hurtful words and untransformed thinking. Keep in mind though, that gossip often reveals more about the gossiper than the person under discussion.

Gossip often reveals more about the gossiper than the person under discussion.

Here are some tips to help you deal with such a situation.

1. Stay Calm: Try not to react emotionally to gossip. Keep your composure and don’t let it affect your self-esteem.

2. Self-Reflection: Assess whether there is any truth to the gossip. If there is, take it to Jesus, confess your sins, ask for forgiveness, cover yourself with the blood of Jesus. Then, use it as an opportunity for personal growth and change.

3. Seek Support: Speak to a youth counsellor, youth pastor, or an adult you trust about what’s happening. Don’t bottle it up as this can lead to worry, self-doubt, and even depression.

4. Pray about it: Take it up as a spiritual battle and wrestle in the place of prayer. It is an attack against your value, your dignity, and your name. Spiritual confrontations are much better than physical confrontations because the spiritual realm controls the physical realm. So, learn to settle things with prayer.

5. Set Boundaries: Limit your interactions with those who engage in gossip. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.

6. Focus on your well-being: Engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself. This can help boost your self-confidence while restoring joy and peace.

7. Rise above it: Ultimately, the best defense against gossip is to be secure in yourself and your actions. Keep your focus on your goals and let your actions speak for themselves.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young …’ 

Apostle Paul advised young Timothy and told him in 1 Timothy 4:12 ‘don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.’ In essence, be well presented. Let your skills, strength, and Christian character shine through.