05.BG.T02-SA — Baseline Self-Assessment: My Vulnerability to Negative Gossip

Assessing My Starting Point

The Preface teaches that negative gossip has damaged homes, workplaces, churches, organisations and communities throughout history. It further suggests that the very first successful attack against mankind involved deceptive and destructive communication that caused Adam and Eve to question God and His instructions. Before exploring the causes, signs, consequences and solutions presented in this Guide, take time to assess your current vulnerability to negative gossip.

This assessment is not intended to condemn you. Its purpose is to establish a baseline against which you can measure your growth as you progress through the Guide.

Scoring Guide

Part A: My Response to Information

1. I verify information before believing it.

Score: _____

2. I question one-sided stories before accepting them as fact.

Score: _____

3. I avoid drawing conclusions before hearing all sides of a matter.

Score: _____

4. I can distinguish facts from assumptions and rumours.

Score: _____

5. I resist the temptation to believe negative reports too quickly.

Score: _____

Part B: My Speech Habits

6. I think carefully before speaking about other people.

Score: _____

7. I avoid discussing people's weaknesses unnecessarily.

Score: _____

8. I speak about absent people as respectfully as I would if they were present.

Score: _____

9. I avoid exaggerating stories about others.

Score: _____

10. My words usually build people up rather than tear them down.

Score: _____

Part C: My Ability to Keep Confidential Information

11. People can trust me with sensitive information.

Score: _____

12. I keep confidential matters confidential.

Score: _____

13. I avoid sharing information simply because it is interesting.

Score: _____

14. I respect other people's privacy.

Score: _____

15. I know when information should not be repeated.

Score: _____

Part D: My Response to Curiosity

Negative gossip often survives because people enjoy knowing what is happening in other people's lives.

16. I resist the temptation to seek information that does not concern me.

Score: _____

17. I avoid asking unnecessary questions about other people's private affairs.

Score: _____

18. I am not easily attracted to sensational stories.

Score: _____

19. I can walk away from conversations that are becoming unhealthy.

Score: _____

20. I am comfortable not knowing everything about everyone.

Score: _____

Part E: My Response to Other People's Success

The Preface reminds us that destructive communication often attacks people's positions, opportunities and blessings.

21. I celebrate other people's achievements sincerely.

Score: _____

22. I do not feel threatened when others succeed.

Score: _____

23. I avoid minimising the accomplishments of others.

Score: _____

24. I can appreciate gifted people without comparing myself to them.

Score: _____

25. I genuinely want other people to prosper.

Score: _____

Part F: My Response to Other People's Failures

26. I feel compassion when people experience difficulties.

Score: _____

27. I avoid discussing other people's failures unnecessarily.

Score: _____

28. I do not derive satisfaction from another person's setback.

Score: _____

29. I pray for people who are struggling rather than criticising them.

Score: _____

30. I avoid forwarding stories that embarrass others.

Score: _____

Part G: My Friendships and Associations

31. I choose friends who encourage positive conversations.

Score: _____

32. I avoid people who thrive on rumours and speculation.

Score: _____

33. I am willing to distance myself from unhealthy influences.

Score: _____

34. My closest friends encourage integrity and accountability.

Score: _____

35. I avoid gossip-centred social circles.

Score: _____

Part H: My Ability to Resist Pressure

The Preface shows how easily people can be influenced by persuasive voices.

36. I stand by my convictions even when others disagree.

Score: _____

37. I resist pressure to participate in harmful discussions.

Score: _____

38. I can say "no" when invited into unhealthy conversations.

Score: _____

39. I make decisions based on principles rather than popularity.

Score: _____

40. I am willing to stand alone when necessary.

Score: _____

Part I: My Spiritual Vigilance

The story of Adam and Eve demonstrates the danger of becoming disconnected from truth.

41. I regularly read and reflect on God's Word.

Score: _____

42. I seek God's wisdom when making decisions.

Score: _____

43. I compare information with truth before accepting it.

Score: _____

44. I recognise that words can have spiritual consequences.

Score: _____

45. I intentionally guard my heart and mind against harmful influences.

Score: _____

Part J: My Readiness for Transformation

46. I am willing to examine my own behaviour honestly.

Score: _____

47. I am open to correction when necessary.

Score: _____

48. I am willing to change unhealthy speech habits.

Score: _____

49. I want to become a more trustworthy person.

Score: _____

50. I am committed to applying what I learn in this Guide.

Score: _____

Scoring Summary

Part A Total: _____ / 25

Part B Total: _____ / 25

Part C Total: _____ / 25

Part D Total: _____ / 25

Part E Total: _____ / 25

Part F Total: _____ / 25

Part G Total: _____ / 25

Part H Total: _____ / 25

Part I Total: _____ / 25

Part J Total: _____ / 25

Grand Total: _____ / 250

Baseline Reflection

51. Which area appears to be your greatest strength?

☐ Verifying information

☐ Speech habits

☐ Confidentiality

☐ Resisting curiosity

☐ Celebrating others

☐ Compassion

☐ Friendships

☐ Resisting pressure

☐ Spiritual vigilance

☐ Openness to growth

52. Which area appears to be your greatest vulnerability?

☒ Verifying information

☒ Speech habits

☒ Confidentiality

☒ Resisting curiosity

☒ Celebrating others

☒ Compassion

☒ Friendships

☒ Resisting pressure

☒ Spiritual vigilance

☒ Openness to growth

53. Which question in this assessment challenged you most? Why?

54. What habits do you hope to strengthen as you progress through this Guide?

55. If you continue with your current habits unchanged, what risks concern you most?

56. What would you like your scores to look like when you complete the End-of-Guide Assessment?

57. Complete the statement below.

At the beginning of this Guide, my greatest vulnerability regarding negative gossip is __________________________, and my greatest strength is __________________________.