Having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. (1 Peter 3:16)

Living With Slander

Character comes from what a person allows to influence their life for good or evil. It is a natural reaction to respond negatively to criticism and slander, but what sets a noble character apart from others is how to face those who speak evil of a person. No one likes to be ridiculed. Specific laws are in place to protect individuals from defamation. In the eyes of the world, slander can bring a response in kind, seeking to damage the one making such accusations. A Christian has a different view of character assassination. The saints of God living in the day when Peter wrote his letters faced harsh criticism and severe persecution. Peter reminds them how God wants His people to act, and it’s nothing like how the world reacts.

Living with slander is the character of enemies of the cross defaming or slandering those who follow Jesus Christ. Peter will admonish his brethren to not suffer as a criminal but instead live for Jesus Christ, wear the name of Christ with courage, and face those who speak maliciously against them with faith. A Christian will not react in kind or with anger, malice, or hatred. The spirit of the child of God will accept the slander leveled against them with the spirit of Jesus, who was ridiculed and treated contemptuously by His brethren. How must a Christian react to harsh words of condemnation? An example of faith.

What sets a Christian apart from the world is his life. When the world sees the good conduct of life cloaked in the garments of holiness, truth, forgiveness, and kindness, the world will see the glory of God. It may not stop the persecution, but the world will see the image of Christ. A good life speaks volumes to the faith found in the heart of the Christian. Living with slander does not come easy, but the purpose is to glorify God. If someone is spoken evil of and it is true, how does the love of God live in that person? The world can see evil things, but let a person’s life be judged by their obedience to the word of God.