In what ways can we "cast no slur on our fellowman" today? Key Verse “Who does not slander with his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, nor slur his fellow man.” Psalm 15:3 What “Cast No Slur” Means • “Slur” is the verbal smear that stains a person’s honor or reputation. • God’s standard reaches beyond avoiding outright lies; it forbids any speech that belittles, shames, or diminishes another image-bearer. • The verse ties “slur” to “slander” and “harm,” showing how destructive words can be as damaging as physical injury. Why the Tongue Matters • James 3:9-10 – “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness… This should not be!” • Matthew 12:36 – “I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” • Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.” Contemporary Ways to Obey This Command • Everyday conversations – Refuse gossip, half-truths, and innuendo. – Speak about others as though they are standing beside you. • Digital communication – Refrain from posting, sharing, or liking content that ridicules, stereotypes, or shames. – Verify facts before forwarding stories that could damage reputations. • Humor and sarcasm – Steer clear of jokes that target a person’s appearance, ethnicity, or past sins. – Use wit to uplift, not to wound. • Heated discussions (politics, sports, theology) – Attack ideas, not identities. – Remember Titus 3:2: “To slander no one, to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.” • Prayer requests – Share only what is necessary for intercession; avoid turning prayer time into a disguised form of gossip. • Conflict resolution – Address issues directly with the person involved (Matthew 18:15). – Avoid rallying allies by tarnishing the other party’s name. • Mentoring children – Model respectful speech at home. – Correct name-calling immediately, explaining that words carry weight. • Workplace – Refuse office rumors that undermine colleagues. – Give honest, gracious feedback without character attacks. • Church life – Uphold leaders and members in public and private conversation. – Celebrate victories instead of spotlighting failures. • Community engagement – Speak respectfully of officials, even when disagreeing (Romans 13:7). – Represent Christ with words seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). Building Habits That Guard the Tongue • Slow the pace: “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 • Speak the truth in love: honesty without hostility (Ephesians 4:15). • Replace slurs with prayer: lift a person before God instead of tearing him down. • Practice silence: learn when nothing needs to be said. • Cultivate gratitude: a thankful heart leaves little room for spiteful speech. • Memorize key verses: hide Scripture in the heart to filter words before they exit the mouth. Scripture Encouragement to Speak Life • Colossians 3:8 – “But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.” • 1 Peter 3:10 – “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” • Proverbs 17:9 – “Whoever conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” Summary Casting no slur on a fellowman today means letting the character of Christ govern every word—spoken, typed, or texted. We honor God when we protect another person’s name, correct in love, and use our tongues to build up rather than break down. |
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