God will cut off those who gossip and slander. Gossippers will go to HELL . The reason we listen to gossip is because we are carnally minded. The carnally minded person insists on their own way, the spiritually minded person builds up the other person. People do not gossip about those they love.
People gossip because they are fools.
Normally if you look at a person who is gossiping, they are not doing anything in the spiritual work. Those who gossip, normally speak against those who are doing spiritual work. In the same way that wood is necessary for a fire, a gossip is necessary for strife in a congregation. Anytime there is strife in a congregation, look for the one running around gossiping. If you stop the gossiper, you will stop the strife.