How can we avoid false accusations like those in Acts 6:11 today? Act 6:11—A Snapshot “Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, ‘We heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.’” Why False Accusations Happen • Jealousy or fear of losing influence (Acts 6:8–10) • Hidden agendas that reject truth (John 3:19–20) • A heart disconnected from God’s standard of truth (Jeremiah 17:9) Guarding Our Own Tongues • Anchor every word in God’s command: “You shall not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16). • Refuse half-heard stories—“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13). • Verify claims with at least two witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15; 1 Timothy 5:19). • Speak only what builds up: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25). Cultivating a Truth-Loving Heart • Stay saturated in Scripture; “The entirety of Your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160). • Pray for discernment and wisdom (James 1:5). • Let the Spirit produce fruit—especially faithfulness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • Keep short accounts with God and people; confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Building Safeguards in Church and Family • Teach doctrinal clarity so truth is known and loved (2 Timothy 2:15). • Establish transparent processes for handling complaints (Matthew 18:15–16). • Encourage accountability partnerships—iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). • Model leadership that is “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2). When You Are Wrongly Accused • Rest in Christ’s example—“He did not retaliate; instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). • Answer with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16). • Let facts and consistent character speak louder than rumors (Proverbs 10:9). • Trust God to vindicate: “He will bring forth your righteousness as the light” (Psalm 37:6). Living as People of Truth • Love truth, speak truth, walk in truth (3 John 4). • Refuse gossip and slander. • Uphold due process and fairness. • Remember that every word will be weighed by the Lord (Matthew 12:36). Choosing truth at every turn protects us from giving or receiving the kind of false accusations that targeted Stephen—and keeps Christ’s name honored in our generation. |
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