Emulate Christ, Not Evil
As written in the Bible, Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” From our mouths, both blessings and curses flow through—either to uplift or to destroy. Think about the words you’ve spoken in private or public during this past week. Were they honoring God or demeaning man?
Michael L. Brown, PHD, shares his viewpoint on the powerful effects of constructive and destructive criticism: “Constructive criticism is life-giving and life-saving, and all of us should have ears to hear truthful words of correction, exhortation, reproof, and rebuke. But destructive criticism kills. It tears down without building up. It is loveless and unkind. It uses unequal weights and measures, straining out a gnat while swallowing a camel. It is self-righteous, mean-spirited and lacks a redemptive heart.” He urges us to not respond to destructive criticism lest we “dishonor the Lord and do a disservice to the body of Christ.” God is our vindicator, so make way for Him to fulfill His promises!
Jennifer LeClaire, author of Vindicated, has lived through her fair share of tumultuous seasons, where slander was on the lips of many friends and foes. In her book, she shares: “Slander is not pretty. It means ‘to defame someone; to harm their reputation; to disgrace; or to accuse.’ Consider this: the word translated ‘slanderer’ in 1 Timothy 3:11 is the same word translated ‘devil.’ When someone slanders us, they are acting like devils. They are mirroring the character of Satan. We can’t respond in kind. We can’t walk in the anointing God has for us and mirror the character of Satan at the same time. We just can’t.
I’ve experienced seasons of what I call ‘slander floods,’ usually from atheists or radicals who oppose the truth I am sharing. When the slander comes in like a flood, know this: you’re doing something right. Jesus said we’d be lied about just as He was lied about.
No one likes to be slandered. I don’t enjoy it. But it makes me sorrowful for the one who’s sinning. The Bible says, ‘Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy’ (Ps. 101:5). And Romans 1:30–32 suggests backbiters are worthy of death. Paul told us not to keep company with a believer who has ‘a foul tongue [railing, abusing, reviling, slandering]’ (1 Cor. 5:11, AMPC). Scripture lists the slanderer among the sexually immoral, the covetous, idolaters, drunkards and extortioners. The point is, God hates slander.
Understanding how seriously God takes slander has had a twofold impact on my heart. First, I don’t want any part of slander. I don’t want to engage in it, and I won’t listen to anyone else spewing it. If someone comes to me with slander on their lips, I put out the fire and bring gentle correction to help them avoid Satan’s snare. Second, when I see the damage the slanderer is doing to himself by attacking me, I take pity on them. While they think their words are digging a pit for me, they are the ones who are bound to fall headlong into the hole.
How you respond to mistreatment is one of the most critical aspects of your spiritual life. When we respond the right way, we climb higher—or go deeper—in the Spirit. In fact, a season of slander is a sure sign that you are up for a promotion.
Paul told Timothy: ‘Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith]’ (2 Tim. 3:12, AMP). Oftentimes, slander is part of that persecution. We have to see slander as a stepping stone to greater success.
I’ve endured plenty of mistreatment during my life, and I can honestly say that I count it a blessing. By God’s grace, I’ve managed to respond in meekness rather than retaliating against the poor soul manifesting the character of slanderous Satan. And I pray that God’s grace will continue to pour over me as the slander from religious spirits, atheists, radical activists, and occasionally even those who I let get close to me who have believed the enemy’s lie continues.
By contrast, when we respond the wrong way, we get bitter. Over time, that bitterness will defile our spirits and dull our ability to sense the presence of God or hear His voice. Bitterness is deadly—and it’s easy for the people around you to discern. Where true humility lives, though, bitterness can’t take up residence. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
I’ve learned over the years to transfer my personal rights to God, knowing He will vindicate me amid the slander—or any other mistreatment. And He has confirmed me time and time again in the presence of my enemies when I give Him the reins. As Paul wrote, ‘You were bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s’ (1 Cor. 6:20, MEV). I’ve committed my spirit into the Lord’s hands, and in return, He takes responsibility for my protection, provision, and vindication when necessary.
I don’t want to be like the accuser of the brethren. And I don’t want to swap insult for insult (1 Pet. 3:9). I want to be like Jesus, who, ‘when He was reviled, He did not revile back; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but He entrusted Himself to Him who judges righteously’ (1 Pet. 2:23, MEV).
God is the judge. He will make the wrong things right in His way and in His timing. Vengeance is His; He will repay (Rom. 12:19). I won’t be overcome with evil, but I will overcome evil with good (v. 21). I will rejoice when I am persecuted because I know that when I respond the right way, I am blessed. My first response is to pray for those who persecute me. And pray. And pray some more. It keeps my heart clean. I encourage you to do the same.
The initial sting fades more quickly when you walk in love, speak the truth in love without being defensive, and refuse to retaliate. I’ve also found it true that God repays, vindicates, and takes vengeance on my behalf. You can have the same testimony if you respond with meekness in the face of mistreatment.
For more information on Jennifer LeClaire’s newest book, Vindicated, visit MyCharismaShop.com