This letter to the church in Ephesus offers a congregation guidance regarding the behavior of each believer. Some of the behaviors are culturally and historically bound, but others have great wisdom for us still. Succinctly and directly, the author tells us that gossip and idle talk have no place in Christian conversation.
As a priest, I have seen few things do more damage to communities than gossip; this vulgar talk serves no purpose other than to tear down another person. It is pervasive, and I often wonder why so many good, kind people readily engage in gossip.
I have yet to find a reason for gossiping, but the writer of Ephesians reminds me that the reason doesn’t really matter. Speaking words of gossip is not an action for those who strive to be imitators of God.
