Topical Encyclopedia Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a grievous sin that is addressed multiple times in the Bible. The Scriptures provide guidance on how believers should respond to slander, emphasizing the importance of returning good for evil.Biblical Context and Teaching The Bible consistently teaches that believers should not retaliate against slander with more evil but should instead respond with kindness and goodness. This principle is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who emphasized love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace. Old Testament Insights In the Old Testament, the concept of returning good for evil is illustrated in various narratives and teachings. Proverbs 25:21-22 states, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you." This passage highlights the transformative power of responding to wrongdoing with acts of kindness. New Testament Teachings The New Testament further develops this theme, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This radical call to love extends to those who slander and malign believers. The Apostle Paul echoes this teaching in Romans 12:17-21 , where he writes, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 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.' On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Practical Application The call to return good for slander is not merely theoretical but is meant to be lived out in the daily lives of believers. This involves a conscious decision to forgive those who speak falsely against us and to seek their welfare. By doing so, Christians demonstrate the love of Christ and bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Examples from Scripture The life of Jesus serves as the ultimate example of returning good for slander. Despite being falsely accused and maligned, Jesus responded with love and forgiveness, even praying for His persecutors while on the cross (Luke 23:34). Similarly, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, exemplified this principle. As he was being stoned, he prayed for his attackers, saying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). Conclusion The biblical mandate to return good for slander challenges believers to rise above the natural inclination for retaliation. By following the example of Christ and the teachings of Scripture, Christians are called to respond to slander with love, kindness, and forgiveness, thereby reflecting the character of God and advancing His kingdom on earth. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 4:13Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things to this day. Nave's Topical Index Library Psalm CIX. Return, Return, O Shulamite! Return, Return, that we May Look Upon ... The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety. The Good Shepherd: a Farewell Sermon The Last Exile Psalm LVIII. A Word for the Persecuted Letter ccxx. (AD 427. ) The Good Man's Life and Death Prosperity under Persecution Resources What does the Bible say about backbiting? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about bitterness? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view sportsmanship? | GotQuestions.org Slander: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Slander of David, by his Enemies Slander of Jeremiah, by the Jews Slander of Jesus, by the Jews Falsely Charging That he Was a Winebibber (Wino) Slander of Mephiboseth, by Ziba Slander: A Characteristic of the Devil Slander: An Abomination to God Slander: Characterized As Avoiding Slander: Christ Was Exposed To Slander: Comes from the Evil Heart Slander: Effects of Deadly Wounds Slander: Effects of Discord Among Brethren Slander: Effects of Separating Friends Slander: End of, is Mischievous Madness Slander: Evil People Addicted To Slander: Hypocrites Addicted To Slander: Hypocrites Habitually Slander: Includes: Bearing False Witness Slander: Includes: Evil Speaking Slander: Includes: Evil Surmising Slander: Includes: Judging Charitably Slander: Includes: Raising False Reports Slander: Includes: Repeating Matters Slander: Includes: Tale-Bearing Slander: Joseph by Potiphar's Wife Slander: Men Shall Give Account For Slander: Minister's Wives should Avoid Slander: Often Arises from Hatred Slander: People Shall Give Account For Slander: Saints should Keep Their Tongues From Slander: Saints should Lay Aside Slander: Saints: Blessed in Enduring Slander: Saints: Characterised As Avoiding Slander: Saints: should be Warned Against Slander: Saints: should Give No Occasion For Slander: Saints: should Keep Their Tongue From Slander: Saints: should Lay Aside Slander: Saints: should Return Good For Slander: Servants of God Exposed To Slander: should be Discountenanced With Anger Slander: should be Warned Against Slander: should Give No Occasion For Slander: should not be Listened To Slander: should Return Good For Slander: That he Was Seditious Slander: The Land of Canaan Misrepresented by the Spies Slander: The Nearest Relations Exposed To Slander: The Tongue of, is a Scourge Slander: The Wicked Addicted To Slander: They Who Indulge In, are Fools Slander: They Who Indulge In, not to be Trusted Slander: Those Who Indulge In, are Fools Slander: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Slander: Witnesses Against Christ Slander: Wives of God's Servants should Avoid Related Terms |
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