Gossip is so easy to do. It makes the gossiper feel superior, even special, because he knows secrets. God condemns gossip. It is the opposite of love.
Jesus said, “…the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (NIV)
You have been very hurt, and we are sad for you. But if you are able, you have an opportunity to be an example of a true Christian. You can be the “salt of the earth” by walking away from gossip. Do not even be in the same room. Instead do or talk about good things. Your relatives will feel reproved.
Of our Lord Jesus it was said that no treachery was found in his mouth. “Grace is poured into thy lips;” and again, “All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth.” (Psa. 45:2; Luke 4:22.) Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63.) So wise, just and true were the Lord’s words, that, though his enemies were continually seeking to find some fault, it is said, “They could not take hold of his words before the people; and they marveled at his answers and held their peace.” (Luke 20:26.) And others said, “Never man spake like this man.” – John 7:46.
Thus our Lord left a worthy example to his people, which the Apostle urges all to follow, saying, “Let your speech be always with grace [with manifest love and kindness], seasoned with salt [a purifying and preservative influence].” (Col. 4:6.) Again, it is written, “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile [deceit].” “Whoso keeps his mouth and his tongue, keeps his soul from troubles.” “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious words: but the lips of a fool [an unwise, reckless talker] will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.” – Psa. 34:13; Prov. 21:23; Eccl. 10:12,13; 5:2.
The Psalmist puts into the mouth of God’s consecrated and tried people these words of firm resolution: – “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked [who tempts and tries the righteous] is before me.” – Psa. 39:1.