Dear Salt&Light,

My colleagues’ water cooler talk is often gossipy and rather mean. But if I don’t join in, I become the outsider and possibly the next target for gossip. What should I do?

Connie Zhang, 26, Retail Manager

Gossip is toxic and sinful (Psalm 101:5, Proverbs 6:16-19, Proverbs 11:13, Proverbs 20:19), and believers should have no part in these.

The best thing would be to find other circles of friendship at the workplace and not participate in mean water cooler talk.

Even if you become the next target for gossip, don’t let that bother you. The Lord is our vindicator and He will fight for us (Exodus 14:14) when we centre ourselves on Him.

But if you choose to continue to be part of such a group, then be proactive and intentional about your presence.

Don’t contribute to the gossip. Change the topic. Or share something positive or alternatively good about the person they are talking about.

At all times be above reproach – don’t provide fodder for gossip!

Remember that we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), and that our words are meant to bring life, not destruction (Ephesians 4:29).

So change the environment of your group with your words and posture today.