To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. – Titus 3:2
This is a very important biblical principle that we are not to speak words that would cause one’s reputation before others to be hurt. Very few of us at times can understand how terrible of a sin this is and how active the Christian community is involved in this way of judging. Paul the Apostle stated that those who practice this sin will not inherit the kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). All Christian leaders and ministries have failed at some point and have problems. Yet it is tragic when these problems are distorted and fabricated to a point where slander occurs and it is spread abroad. Gossip is a fruit of slander, spreading abroad the poisoned apple to others to partake in. Satan is the father of lies and of slander also. The early Church, Pastor of Hermas says, “Speak evil of no one, nor listen with pleasure to any one who speaks evil of another. But if you listen, you will partake of the sin of him who speaks evil, if you believe the slander which you hear; for believing it, you will also have something to say against your brother. For slander is evil and an unsteady demon. It never abides in peace, but always remains in discord.”
What is the remedy to this problem we have to look down on others and believe easily lies of others and spread them? Firstly, we can seek to be peaceable. Avoiding conflict and argument is a sure remedy to not spread slander. If we think well of all people and first consider the best of them then we will not quickly believe slander we hear and speak to an individual privately or pray for them. Secondly, we can be considerate. This is a life-style choice that we can be careful in life not wanting to inconvenience and hurt others. This requires one to slow and and always remember others as they progress in daily decisions. Thirdly, we must always choose to be gentle toward every individual and in all situations. Harshness, hard words, always cause pain, and hurt. We can choose to be gentle in all we say and do and therefore minimize misunderstandings and stop the progress of slander. Say no to slander, close your ears to judging, think better of people and seek the good of others never speaking what you have not learned first hand and you will be saved from much sin in your life.
