Remind the people … to slander no one …
Summary: Slander is an untruth that eats at a person’s reputation. Even if the slanderer believes that the lie is true, the damage that follows can never be fully undone.
Slander is a horrible thing. Once unleashed, a slanderous claim can take on a life of its own. From ear to mouth, the slander tends to grow and become more elaborate with the telling. Careers and lives have been destroyed by this monster.
Slander is a weapon of voice. James writes:
“… the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3: 5-6)
Slander is not a noble weapon like a broadsword or a spear. Instead, it is a small dagger. Tiny enough to be hidden from view, the blade called slander sinks into the back unseen. The victim does not even realize that they are being attacked until it is too late.
Slander can be a political weapon. Used intentionally, it can sow rumors about an enemy. Rumors can undermine the confidence others have in a person.
Slander can be unintentional as well. When a person sets themselves up as an authority, they declare for themselves the right to make the rules. If someone breaks those rules, unintentionally or otherwise, they have come under judgment. The slanderer, in passing judgment, accuses the other of breaking a rule that only exists in their mind. Charging someone with an imaginary crime, no matter how fervently one believes in it, is slander
Sometimes people imagine that they can read minds. They feel strongly that they “know” what another person is thinking. They also may feel that they can “know” the other person’s motivation. In this way, a difference of opinion becomes a lie. Serving others and winning their friendship can be looked on as “stealing.”
When Paul says, “slander no one,” he is telling us to stick to the truth. We need to discern the difference between reality and our imaginations. We need to defer to God’s authority and His Word.
Application: Before passing judgment on someone or casting blame, talk to God and check the mirror.
Food for Thought: How can we protect ourselves from accidentally slandering someone?
Remeber that when you are pointing a finger at someone,.. there are three pointing back at you. Unless you just point all four in their direction,..then I guess that’s another story,..
But that’s what keeps me on track,..I work hard at not pointing just one finger,..I use both hands,..
John,
It sounds like the hands you use would be considered “helping hands.” 🙂
I am not sure how much we slander unintentionally. I don’t think slander happens in a vacuum. It is often accompanied by anger or revenge or hatred or jealousy, etc. it is something we need to intentionally remove. It is something we need to get rid of and it’s remedy is forgiveness. Ephesians 4: 31 – 32.
Thank you, Rich.
Another great verse!
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
How can we protect ourselves from accidentally slandering someone?
Satan is the father of lies, slander and gossip which have no place in the Kingdom of God, and in our hearts all believers are convicted of this truth. Slanderers seek to destroy the character of another person and elevate themselves to a position of judge over that person which is the position reserved for only God. God’s Word has a great deal to say about our relationships with others and I am not sure if God makes allowance for accidental incidents. Can we accidentally lie, cheat, steal, be prideful? Don’t think so. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”
Mark 7:21-23, Matthew 12:36, Ephesians 4:29, James 1:26, 4:11, 1 Timothy 3:11
How can we protect ourselves against slandering another. We do as God directs us. Go to our brother or sister in righteous love and tell them privately of their sins against us. They will either listen or not and we will either gain a brother or sister, or not. Focus on practicing humility, gentleness and patience toward all, shine God’s light on our problems and we will be so busy we will have no time to be judging the actions of others.
Matthew 18:15, Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:13
Forgive others whether they ask or not. This command from Jesus is for our good. We need to free ourselves of ALL anger, frustrations and ungodly thoughts that may take up residence in our hearts as a result of being unfairly wronged. We cannot allow the sins of others to effect our relationship with God. Forgive others, remember it no more and release them from all accountability so we can continue our walk with God.
If a person is new, weak in faith, welcome him with sound teachings and do not quarrel over opinions as you grow in faith together.
Matthew 6:14-15, Proverbs 21:23, Romans 14:1
Thank you, Ron.
Very good words!
👍🏻