Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue

“I thoroughly enjoyed and was challenged by Matt’s biblical approach to gossip. As a district superintendent with the EFCA, I too often experience the fruit of gossip in churches. I believe that Matt’s work has great opportunities for individuals as well as groups to learn to biblically deal with gossip. I especially like the questions at the end of each chapter and believe they make the material very applicable for small groups. I believe this subject must be addressed in the church today.”

“This book on gossip meets a huge need. It is a response to a problem within the church as well as in individual lives. I would recommend it to all Christians and more specifically topastors. There is precious little on this topic.”

“Dr. Mitchell not only walks alongside us as a brother in Christ to help us understand the subject of gossip, but he also gives a proactive, biblical and applicable plan of how to deal with it through the changing of our own hearts. This book is an excellent resource within our School of Discipleship.”

“This book presents real–life examples that I can identify with. They are engaging because, let’s be honest, we love to hear a good story. The reader is drawn in by the example and then confronted with the spiritual ramifications of gossip because of the book’s biblical content and teaching on the subject of gossip. The supporting references and practical advice do not leave much room for misunderstanding. On the contrary, they bring one to the point at which the reader’s final decision has to be a matter of the heart, before God and man.”

“The foundational strength of Resisting Gossip isn’t found in just a single chapter. It runs through the whole book. That strength is the good news, the gospel. Not the three–point out–line that gets a person ‘saved’ but the impact of the gospel that redeems, justifies, propitiates and sanctifies. Too often authors who take on topical issues such as gossip tip their hat to the gospel, assume it as an underlying principle or ignore it altogether. Not so in this material. The gospel is front and center and applied throughout all the suggestive material in how to deal with resisting gossip.”

“Matthew Mitchell’s book is personal and loving instead of simply academic and informational. I appreciated his open, honest self–disclosure. I really liked the simple definitions, especially of gossip and of judging. Matt makes it clear that our heart is the core issue in the problem of gossip as well as the place in which change happens through confession, repentance, grace and the work of the Spirit. This book will be extremely helpful in clarifying, diagnosing and healing the sin of gossip in individuals and in churches. It is simple, deep and easy reading all at the same time.”

“This book provides a great balance between exposing and articulating the heart problem of gossip and revealing and articulating the gospel’s answer to that problem. The book applies several well–known passages of Scripture to the topic of gossip that I had not previously seen applied in this manner. Many other lesser-known scriptures came alive to me by their application to gossip. I already am recommending this book—and quoting it.”

“Matt Mitchell tackles one of the most common, destructive but least talked about sins. While gossip destroys, Matt suggests alternatives to gossip that build trust and relationship and that are practical and helpful. Our words, good and bad, are powerful, and this book can be a helpful tool in prompting God’s people to consider their words, attitudes and practices. I highly recommend it.”

“Matt Mitchell did not casually put this book together but asked lots of questions, explored lots of complicated situations and aimed for biblical wisdom that truly applies to all. The book is great for the home groups at my church to consider walking through together.”

“Matthew Mitchell’s book on resisting gossip helped me greatly, and the timing of it was perfect. I want to thank him for his wise and godly counsel straight from our Father’s heart. I can hear the authors voice, and it doesnt beat me up. It challenges and exhorts but shows me that we are in this together for much good.”

“With clarity and the precision of a spiritual physician, Matt cuts deep into the cancerous disease that produces words that hurt and defame. Not only will this book help you keep your tongue in check, but it will also be a helpful navigational tool in guiding your speech toward the joyful discipline of using words to help and heal others to the glory of God! Put the principles of this book into practice, and you, your family, friends and colleagues will all be better off!”

“Jesus never gossiped. The One who loves me and gave Himself for me wants me to do battle in my heart, and one of the intense battlefronts is gossip. With this book Mitchell aims to help me win that war with gospel power. Along the way he strategizes about the “principle of overflow,” how to “pray and weigh,” and five types of gossip that show me that though I may not think I have a gossipy heart in one sense, I might in another sense. This book aims at helping the reader repay evil with good.”

“This book is excellent. Sweet and winsome in its presentation. Humble, yet biblically rea- soned, ‘an apple of gold in settings of silver.’ I pray that it will be used greatly in local churches.It is good stuff and MUCH needed.”

“Does the gospel have anything to say about gossip? Matt Mitchell’s engaging writing demonstrates that every Christian needs to understand the hope–giving promises of the gospel for addressing the heart issues behind gossip. Building upon a relevant biblical definition of gossip, Resisting Gossip empowers believers to apply the gospel to uproot the weeds of gossip. Mitchell’s principles for cultivating a gossip–resistant church are worth the price of the book.”

“Gossip is a spark that starts countless relational fires every day. Matt provides practical, biblical guidance on how believers can reduce this insidious problem by bringing their tonguesunder the lordship of Christ.”