SLANDER

What an ugly word.


There will always be those who speak maliciously against us. Slanderous attacks from non-Christians are more understandable. Those from fellow Christ-followers are much more painful. As Christ-followers, we are taught to respond to these attacks, no matter the source, with gentleness and respect.


“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” - 1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV


OUR NATURAL NATURE
I grew up close to midtown Manhattan. New York City can be a tough place, and when someone disrespects you there, a gentle, respectful response is highly unlikely. When I moved to Texas, I found a very different culture, and for years, I did not fit in because that tough New York mentality was firmly rooted in my flesh. Our natural nature leads us to respond poorly. Conversely, the Holy Spirit living inside of us urges us to turn the other cheek when we are slandered.


We are also wired a certain way behaviorally. Our behavioral preferences can get in the way of Christ’s message of love, peace, and joy to those who know Him. If we are to “carry water” for the King of Kings and be faithful messengers of our Master’s teachings, gentleness and respect must be the guardrails in which we operate.


WHEN WE FAIL
When we fail to live up to this mandate to treat everyone with gentleness and respect, we must make amends. Doing this means much more than apologizing and saying, "I'm sorry." It goes beyond asking the person for forgiveness, although that is part of the amends-making process.


Making amends starts with “I was wrong.” I must acknowledge that I failed to treat the offender with gentleness and respect. This is particularly hard to do when a sister or brother in Christ has spoken maliciously about us. Our tendency is to explain to them all that they did to wrong us, which is an attempt at justifying our lack of gentleness and respect.


I am not instructed by this Scripture to respond in kind, and to equally mistreat the person who is harming me. Quite the contrary, I am told to keep a clear conscience by behaving in such a Christ-like way that the slanderer will be ashamed of their behavior.


This is near impossible for me to do in my flesh. Every fiber of my being wants to point out the offense and how unwarranted that person’s behavior was against me. However, instead, I keep focused on my part, acknowledge where I was wrong, and allow the Holy Spirit to deal with the offender. Then, I turn and love my sister or brother, with Christ’s love. If I am doing this, it will be gentle and respectful, for love is like that.


Here is what Christ says: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” - 1 Peter 4:8 NIV


CONCLUSION
Gentleness and respect are two qualities that are highly desirable and necessary for Christ-followers to be effective in carrying God’s message to the world. The love Christ has for us must be extended to all, regardless of how we are treated.


There will always be people who slander us. The more we surrender to the mission Christ has given us, the more we will come under attack from non-believers and believers alike. Satan loves dividing and conquering. It is his demonic plan to cause strife, especially between fellow Christ-followers.


Our job is to resist the enemy and treat everyone with gentleness and respect, no matter how we are treated. And when we fail, our job is to quickly admit our failure, seek forgiveness, and turn away from sinful behavior, doubling efforts to extend gentleness and respect to everyone, despite their behavior toward us.


Here is a closing scripture: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV


Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. 
February 09, 2024
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.