Slander, Satan, and Saints

Storytelling and listening to stories are fascinating experiences for all age groups. Nevertheless, we need to be very careful to ensure what we communicate or hear are not false narratives against somebody. Because our sinful nature prefers lies to truth, we may end up spreading false information about someone and that would destroy their reputation.
Slander vs. Gossip
A slanderous attitude is part of our sinful human behaviour and it's more dangerous than gossip, (Rom. 1:30). Gossip is spreading stories about others which may or may not be true whereas slander is sharing false stories with the intention to discredit and destroy another.
Though both are wrong, the effect of slander is far reaching, for it destroys the victim, the listener, and even the speaker himself (cf. Psa. 31:11-13; 69:20).
Satanic Nature
Our Lord said, 'the devil is a liar and the father of lies, there is no truth in him' (John 8:44c). Naturally, anyone who is influenced by the devil will be marked by all forms of falsehood. Also, we read in Revelation 12:10, the main mission of Satan day and night is to accuse the brethren, (cf. Job 3:1; Zech. 3:1). In fact, one of his names 'devil' ('diabolos') means slanderer or false accuser.
Never forget that when we pass on an unverified story that could damage the reputation of someone, we are assisting Satan in his mission. Hence, it's a diabolic attitude.
Slander and Saints
Throughout the scripture we see many godly people have been affected with this evil. The devil blamed Job and Joshua in the presence of God (Job 2:5; Zech. 3:1). David's psalms reveal the pain and anguish he went through as a result of the reproach of his enemies (Psa. 31:11-13).
False allegations were made against the Apostles as well. On the day of Pentecost, the Jews alleged the disciples were full of new wine (Acts 2:13). Stephen was stoned to death based on false accusations (Acts 6:13, 14; 7:60). About Paul they said, 'he is a plague, ring leader, creator of riots,' etc., (Acts 24:5).
However, it was our blessed Lord Jesus Christ who faced slander in the most ignominious way. He was called a glutton, drunkard, and demonic. They accused Him of forbidding taxes, misrepresenting and misleading people, etc., against the empire (John 7:48; Luke 23:2 etc.).
Result of Slander
In the human point of view, the arrest and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus was the outcome of false accusation. The enemy successfully turned the public support against the Lord; same with the arrest and executions of the disciples of Christ.
Slander and false narratives destroy the name and reputation of the one against whom we speak. It breaks friendships, relationships, and spiritual fellowships (Pro. 16:28).
No wonder slander broke the heart of David (Psa. 31:11-13; 69:20). Brethren, do not forget that when we enjoy discussing stories about another, it is possible they are weeping.
What the Bible Says:
Various scripture passages tell us how seriously God views slander:

a.Exo. 20:16: He prohibits false testimony, as one of the 10 commandments (cf. Lev 19:16).
b. Psa. 50:19, 22: God hates the slanderer and threatens to tear him into pieces (cf. Psa. 101:5; Pro. 6:16, 19)
c. Pro. 10:18: The slanderer is a fool, for God knows all the secrets and reveals them at the right time.
d. Pro. 20:19: He prohibits association with talebearers.
e. Ezek. 22:9: Slander kills the innocent men
f. Eph. 4:30, 31: Put away all forms of evil speaking, for it grieves the Holy Spirit (Colo. 3:8).
g. Tit. 3:2: Speak evil of no one

Such plenty of verses unequivocally declare the ugliness of slander and God's response to this evil behaviour. It is not fitting for a child of God to speak evil of another to harm him falsely.
Why is Slander so Serious?

1. It is against our own brethren, James 4:11.
    o It is Satan's strategy against the Lord's people (Rev. 12:10).
2. It is against the law of love, James 4:11b
    o A slanderer has no love for God or man (cf. Rom. 13:8; Matt. 22:37-40).
3. It is against the law-giver, James 4:12
    o It is rebellion against God who is the true Judge of all.
4. It grieves the Holy Spirit, who indwells a believer, Eph. 4:30, 31.

As mentioned earlier, the bad consequences of slander are extensive. It's robbing the good name one has gained through many years of effort. Not only it kills the character of another, it also disturbs the fellowship among Christians.
Response to Slander

1. Make sure that we are right with God (Psa. 31: 10 cf. 1John 1:7, 9).
    => If there is any sin or failure, confess it and find cleansing.
2. Trust in the Lord, when we learn of the whisperings of the enemy (Psa. 31:14).
    => God knows all the truth; He will not believe a slanderer as man does!
3. Remember, we are not alone.
    => Not only David, many other saints and even the Lord Jesus faced it.
4. Do not pay attention to the slanderer.
    => Listen to God's Word; refuse to hear the words of the enemy. Remember, it's a fight against the evil forces (Eph. 6:12).
5. Cry to God, Psa. 120:1, 2
    => Ultimately God alone can save us from lies and its destructive power. Call upon the Lord to deal with the liars. As the Psalmist testifies, He will hear and deliver us at the right time.

Our Lord is the best example. He suffered silently committing Himself to Him who judges rightly (1Peter 2:23). Let us patiently wait for His timely intervention as we face similar situations.

Judgement of words

The Lord Jesus reminds us that we are accountable for every word we utter (Matt. 12:36, 37). Never make a false statement against someone to put them down. Do not even try to assign imagined negative ideas on others to harm them. Speak truth and truth alone, that too in love (Eph. 4:15). Any form of evil attitude hinders our own spiritual growth, (1Peter 2:1).
If we happened to hear a story, never make a conclusion without proper verification. Never encourage a slanderer by relaying his message. Always deal with the slanderer within us because of the inherent sin nature.
In all our conversations let us reflect the characteristics of God. Be away from slander; be close to truth (Psa. 15:1–3; Jer. 9:3). G&P

NTK