Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

• What’s the funniest or most regrettable thing you’ve ever said out loud?
  

• Have you ever had something said about you that stuck with you for years? (If comfortable, share briefly.)
  

• Would you rather have a visible tattoo or a spoken word that sticks with you forever? Why?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

• Matthew 12:33–37 – Words reflect the heart; we are accountable for them.

• Romans 1:29–30 – Gossip listed among grievous sins.

• 2 Corinthians 12:20 – Paul fears finding gossip among believers.

• Galatians 5:14–15 – Love your neighbor; don’t destroy with your words.

• Proverbs 18:8 – Gossip tastes good but cuts deep.

• Proverbs 20:19 – Avoid those who gossip.

• Matthew 18:15–17 – Jesus’ process for confronting sin.

• Romans 10:9 – Salvation through confession and belief.

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you most from this week’s sermon? Why?
   
2. Why do you think gossip is so tempting, even for followers of Jesus?
   
3. Read Matthew 12:33–37. What do our words reveal about the condition of our hearts?
   
4. What’s the difference between gossiping and seeking wise counsel?
   
5. Walk through the 4 Questions to Kill Gossip:
   
   1. Am I talking about a person?
      
   2. Would it cause pain?
      
   3. Is it my problem to solve?
      
   4. Have I followed Jesus’ process?
      
   5. Which of these is hardest for you to ask before speaking?
      
6. Read Matthew 18:15–17. How does Jesus call us to deal with conflict or sin in others?
   
7. How does the Gospel empower us to speak life instead of spreading harm?
   
8. Who do you need to forgive or confront directly rather than gossip about?
   
9. What’s one way you can use your mouth to build others up this week?

Action Steps

• Memorize Matthew 12:36–37 – Reflect on your words this week.
• Practice “gossip prevention” – If tempted to share, run through the 4 Questions first.
• Encourage someone – Speak life to someone who may need to hear truth, affirmation, or forgiveness.
• Confess and repent – If you’ve gossiped, take time to repent and, if needed, ask forgiveness from the one harmed.
• Be a gossip blocker – If someone begins to gossip around you, lovingly redirect the conversation or shut it down.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the power of words and the reminder today that what we say reflects what is in our hearts. Forgive us for the careless and harmful things we’ve said about others or listened to without stopping. Purify our hearts so that our mouths speak truth, grace, and love. Help us to confront others with humility when needed and to follow the example of Jesus in how we communicate. May our words bring healing, not hurt. Let us be known as people who use our big fat mouths to proclaim the hope, love, and power of Jesus.
In His name we pray, Amen.