Yes, gossip is a sin.

Gal 6:2-5 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor. 5 For each man shall bear his own burden.

by Chris Reno.

1 Cor 10:29-32 29 conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other's; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no occasions of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:

Learn more about mercy in this sermon on "the mercy of God."

be merciful and you will receive it.  Do not be merciful and you will not receive it.  Are you a merciful person?  Learn more with this sermon on mercy.

How should benevolence be handled in a local congregation?