Guard Against Slandering Others in Christ

Slander is sin, and has serious consequences when allowed to take root in the Church. It harms the reputation of the innocent, separates intimate friends, and leads to strife and ruin. Are you careful with your words about other believers when they are absent from the conversation? Remember James’ warning about speaking evil of fellow Christians. When we gossip about others or judge their motives, we actually speak against God’s Law. We usurp His authority as the true and ultimate Judge, and defame someone for whom Christ died. When this is our practice, we offend not only our brother, but God Himself. Guard your heart against engaging in slander! Talk to God before anyone else, and determine to speak only words that edify, encourage, and build up. This does not negate our responsibility to confront a brother or sister who may be in sin. On the contrary, it affirms the uniform testimony of Scripture that our speech should always be a conduit of God’s sanctifying grace.