Topical Bible: Slander: Blessed in Enduring

◄ Slander: Blessed in Enduring ►

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Slander, defined as the false and malicious spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation, is a sin that is addressed multiple times in the Bible. It is a tool often used by the wicked to harm the righteous, yet Scripture provides assurance that those who endure slander for the sake of righteousness are blessed.

The Bible acknowledges the pain and injustice of slander. In Psalm 31:13, David laments, "For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life." Despite the distress caused by slander, believers are encouraged to respond with faith and integrity.

Jesus Himself was no stranger to slander. In Matthew 11:19, He notes, "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at Him, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’" Despite these false accusations, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission, setting an example for His followers.

The New Testament further instructs believers on how to handle slander. In 1 Peter 3:16, it is written, "keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ." This passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining a righteous character, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate His people.

Moreover, enduring slander for the sake of Christ is seen as a cause for blessing. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me" (Matthew 5:11). This blessing is not merely a future promise but a present reality for those who suffer for righteousness.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the endurance of slander in 1 Corinthians 4:12-13: "When we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world." Paul’s response to slander is one of humility and grace, reflecting the character of Christ.

In the face of slander, believers are called to trust in God's justice and timing. Romans 12:19 reminds us, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This assurance allows Christians to endure slander with patience and hope.

Ultimately, the endurance of slander is an opportunity for spiritual growth and a testament to one's faith in God. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This promise encourages believers to remain steadfast, knowing that their endurance is not in vain.

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Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
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Library

Satan's Devices
... a lie, who speak evil of, and slander their neighbor ... in being exempted from, but
in enduring temptations. "Blessed is the man, (says the apostle) that endureth ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/satans devices.htm

An Exhortation to the Romans to Renounce Paganism.
... those degenerate sons of thine who slander Christ and ... if thou wouldst attain to the
blessed city, shun ... miseries, which alone they shrink from enduring, we will ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 29 an exhortation to the.htm

Vanity of Human Glory.
... has been so productive of wide-spread enduring ruin among ... henceforth all generations
shall call her blessed[7]." But ... the words of the world, slander the Church ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xii vanity of human.htm

Psalm C.
... sort of life: "judge no man blessed before his ... Again, men who hate and slander them,
precipitately ... in which he speaketh remarkably concerning enduring evil men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm c.htm

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... But when the friends within the house slander us; when ... rimmed with gold in glory;
for blessed are ye ... Constantly did he refuse; still enduring a martyrdom at ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

Heavenly Rest
... in the midst of calumny, reproach, slander and contempt ... more sweet, more perfectly
calm, more enduring, and more ... the Christian sometimes has the blessed rest of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly rest.htm

The Shame and Spitting
... itself, and indeed, many perished while enduring it, or ... Remember, first, our blessed
Lord is well qualified to ... is worse than pain, from scandal and slander? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/the shame and spitting.htm

On Genesis.
... at least of His own will, voluntarily enduring the death ... 1180] according to the word
of the blessed Paul. ... be spoiled the ground of their slander, and assailed ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on genesis.htm

Fourth Sunday after Easter Second Sermon.
... Who can purchase or merit, even by enduring tenfold his ... Now, since God has so greatly
blessed you as to ... When slander and reproach is heaped upon you, or curses ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fourth sunday after easter second.htm

Matt. v. 1, 2
... For, "What though the slander pain you," saith He; "yet shall ... And this the blessed
Job said; "But I wept for ... for us receiving stripes, and for us enduring death ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xv matt v 1.htm