How would you handle this gossip?
Show your support
Honestly you usually won’t have to worry about separating yourself from old friends….act in righteousness, follow Christ in your heart, words, and deeds… and they will usually do the walking away themselves because simply the way you live your life will be an offense to them.
@Janis I don’t work there anymore
Regardless, you can still set boundaries. Christian kindness does not always equal “niceness.” Niceness is a way to just pacify someone or to avoid confrontation for yourself… but it’s not effective. You can be direct AND gentle in your approach. If you choose not to say anything at all… which is a choice… you could wait and see what she does or says later. You could also use the opportunity to discuss your faith and why it’s important to you to not gossip and judge others especially in a way where they have no defense of themselves
Looks like she wants to bond with you through gossip. I would answer the text saying something short about the situation, and then shift the conversation asking her how she is doing and truly listen what she has to say, and then when I have a chance through out the conversation let her know that I’m caring less about other people business and putting more attention on my own life , I would say something like this: “…but you know what I’m caring less about other people’s life I need to put more attention on my own life. I’m working on myself more, I’m seeking God more.” I hope that’s helpful 💕
Setting boundaries is not out of the question at all, just whether or not you are willing to accept that by acting in righteousness, people will usually be bitter to you. Do you wish to please God or please man? The biblical response I would give: I appreciate you taking an interest in others and your work environment, however I want to be mindful of how I’m talking about others and whether we are building them up, or tearing them down with our conversation. I’m always happen to listen and give advice on difficult situations, but I really don’t want to just vent or gossip.” (But I wouldn’t do this over text. Needs to be done in person and in private, probably at the end of the work day. But if it can’t be done in person, then maybe a phone call)