Morning Thought: Gossip is an addiction, like nicotine or alcoholism. Yet, with gossip it takes two to tango—both the speaker and the listener are guilty. The moment you hear gossip, shut it down. Otherwise, it’s like giving drugs to a drug addict. You don’t need to answer the phone calls and respond to the messages of a gossiper. It’s false compassion to give in to them. It’s time the church takes gossip seriously, warning and correcting those involved in it. “He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip” (Proverbs 20:19, NASB).