Responding to Slander: The Way of Christ
Summary
Life is full of moments when we are misunderstood, misjudged, or even slandered by others. These wounds can cut deep, especially when they come from people we care about or have invested in. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are called to respond differently than the world does. The story of Paul and the church in Corinth is a powerful example. Paul, after pouring his heart and soul into the Corinthian church, found himself the target of malicious slander and false accusations. Instead of retaliating or defending himself with harsh words, Paul chose to anchor his identity in Christ and respond with humility, truth, and love.
The enemy, often described in Scripture as the slandering snake, has been using deception, discouragement, and division since the beginning. In the garden, he slandered God to Adam and Eve, sowing seeds of doubt and mistrust. Today, he continues to use the same tactics, whispering lies that question our worth, our faith, and the goodness of God. He seeks to divide marriages, families, communities, and churches, often through the subtle poison of slander and gossip.
But we are not left defenseless. Jesus himself was slandered, misunderstood, and falsely accused, yet he never retaliated. He entrusted himself to the Father, who judges justly. We are called to do the same: to remember that our true identity is found in Christ, not in the opinions of others; to trust that God sees and knows the truth; and to respond to slander not with retaliation, but with blessing, endurance, and forgiveness. This is not easy—it goes against our natural instincts—but it is the way of the kingdom.
We must also be vigilant not to become instruments of slander ourselves. When we speak ill of others, we risk becoming puppets of the enemy, furthering his work of division. Instead, we are called to guard our words, to seek reconciliation, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. When we rely on our own strength, we are prone to react and retaliate, but when we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can respond with the gentleness and courage of Christ. In all things, let us strive to imitate Jesus, allowing his transformational power to shape our hearts, our words, and our relationships.
Key Takeaways
- The enemy’s primary tactics are deception, discouragement, and division. He slanders God to us and tempts us to slander one another, seeking to fracture relationships and communities. Recognizing these schemes is the first step in resisting them and choosing a different path. [14:49]
- Our identity is rooted in Christ, not in the shifting opinions or judgments of others. People are fickle—one day they praise, the next they condemn—but God’s view of us is constant and true. When slandered or misunderstood, anchoring ourselves in Christ’s love and approval frees us from the tyranny of human opinion. [21:01]
- God alone is the righteous judge who sees every motive and hidden thing. While others may misjudge or falsely accuse, we can rest in the assurance that God knows the truth and will bring everything to light in his time. This perspective allows us to let go of the need to defend ourselves and trust in his ultimate justice. [23:30]
- The way of Jesus is to respond to slander and mistreatment with blessing, endurance, and forgiveness. This is radically countercultural and counterintuitive, but it is the path to true freedom and transformation. By refusing to retaliate and instead imitating Christ, we break the cycle of hurt and become agents of reconciliation. [28:08]
- Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit is essential when facing slander or misunderstanding. Our natural tendency is to react and defend ourselves, but the Spirit empowers us to respond with humility, wisdom, and love. Through prayer, self-control, and a commitment to truth, we can guard our words and actions, becoming living testimonies of Christ’s grace. [31:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Opening Prayer and Seeking God’s Refreshing
[02:21] - Snake Stories and the Slandering Snake Metaphor
[04:03] - Surviving the Snake: Lessons from the Peace Corps Manual
[05:41] - Paul’s Journey and the Shipwreck on Malta
[08:03] - The Church at Corinth: Identity Before Correction
[10:01] - The Slandering Snake in Genesis and Today
[11:13] - The Spirit and Schemes of the Slandering Snake
[14:49] - Deception, Discouragement, and Division
[16:19] - Slander Defined and Its Impact in the Church
[17:24] - Becoming Puppets of the Enemy Through Slander
[19:19] - Responding When Bitten by Slander
[21:01] - Anchoring Identity in Christ, Not Human Opinion
[23:30] - God as the Righteous Judge
[26:24] - Responding Like Jesus: Blessing and Endurance
[28:08] - Loving Enemies and Breaking the Cycle
[29:11] - Relying on Kingdom Power, Not Self
[31:50] - Guarding Our Words and Learning to Respond
[34:35] - Repentance, Forgiveness, and Community
[36:17] - Invitation to Faith and Walking in the Spirit
[37:11] - Prayer for Transformation and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Responding to Slander and Misunderstanding
---
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 4:1-13
(Paul’s response to slander and judgment from the Corinthian church)
2. Matthew 5:43-48
(Jesus’ teaching on loving enemies and blessing those who curse you)
3. 1 Peter 2:21-23
(Jesus’ example of not retaliating when insulted or mistreated)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Corinthians 4:3-5, how does Paul describe his attitude toward being judged or examined by others? What does he say about who the true judge is?
[[23:30]]
2. According to the sermon, what are the main tactics the enemy uses to harm relationships and communities?
[[14:49]]
3. In Matthew 5:44, what does Jesus command us to do for those who mistreat or slander us?
4. How did Paul say he and the other apostles responded when they were verbally abused or slandered?
[[26:24]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul say it is “a very small thing” to be judged by others, and how does this perspective help us when we are misunderstood or slandered?
[[23:30]]
2. The sermon describes slander as a tool of the enemy to divide. Why is slander so effective at causing division in families, churches, and communities?
[[16:19]]
3. Jesus and Paul both chose not to retaliate when insulted or slandered. What does this reveal about their trust in God and their understanding of their own identity?
[[28:08]]
4. The sermon mentions that when we slander others, we risk becoming “puppets of the enemy.” What does this mean, and how can we recognize if we are falling into this trap?
[[17:24]]
---
### Application Questions
1. Think of a time when you were misunderstood, misjudged, or slandered. How did you respond? Looking back, is there anything you would do differently in light of Paul’s example?
[[19:19]]
2. The sermon says our identity is rooted in Christ, not in the shifting opinions of others. Are there specific situations or relationships where you struggle to remember this? What would it look like to anchor your identity in Christ this week?
[[21:01]]
3. When you hear gossip or negative talk about someone else, what is your usual reaction? What practical steps can you take to avoid becoming an “instrument of slander” in your conversations?
[[17:24]]
4. The enemy uses discouragement and deception to make us question our worth and God’s goodness. What are some lies you have believed about yourself or God? How can you replace those lies with truth?
[[14:49]]
5. Jesus calls us to bless those who curse us and to forgive as we have been forgiven. Is there someone you need to forgive or bless, even if they have hurt you? What is one step you can take toward that this week?
[[26:24]]
6. The sermon encourages us to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power, not our own strength, when facing slander or misunderstanding. What would it look like for you to pause and pray before responding the next time you feel attacked or misjudged?
[[31:50]]
7. If you realize you have slandered or misjudged someone, what is stopping you from seeking forgiveness or making it right? What is one thing you can do this week to repair a relationship that has been damaged by words?
[[34:35]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for humility, courage, and the power of the Holy Spirit to respond like Jesus in situations of misunderstanding or slander. Ask God to help each person anchor their identity in Christ and to be agents of reconciliation in their relationships.
Devotional
Day 1: Beware the Slandering Snake: Recognizing the Enemy’s Schemes
The enemy, often called the slandering snake, seeks to deceive, discourage, and divide God’s people, using slander as a primary tool to sow discord and mistrust among believers. When we look back to the Garden of Eden, we see how the serpent’s first tactic was to question God’s word and character, leading Adam and Eve into disobedience and separation from God. In our own lives, the enemy still whispers lies, tempting us to doubt God’s goodness and to turn against one another with malicious words or judgments. Recognizing these schemes is the first step in resisting them, so that we do not become puppets of the evil one, but instead walk in the truth and unity of Christ. [14:49]
Genesis 3:1-5 (ESV)
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Reflection: Where have you noticed the enemy trying to sow doubt, discouragement, or division in your life or relationships this week? How can you intentionally resist these schemes today?
Day 2: Our Identity Is in Christ, Not in Others’ Opinions
When we are misunderstood, misjudged, or even slandered, it is easy to let others’ opinions define us. But as followers of Jesus, our true identity is found in Him alone—not in the shifting approval or criticism of people. Paul reminds us that we are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God, called to be trustworthy and faithful regardless of what others say. People can be fickle, but God’s view of us is steadfast and true. Resting in our identity in Christ frees us from the need to defend ourselves or seek validation from others, allowing us to live with confidence and peace. [22:07]
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (ESV)
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you most tempted to seek approval from others? What would it look like to root your identity in Christ instead of people’s opinions today?
Day 3: Trust the Righteous Judge
When we are falsely accused or slandered, it is natural to want to defend ourselves or seek vindication. Yet Scripture teaches us to entrust ourselves to the Lord, who alone judges rightly and knows the motives of every heart. Paul models this by refusing to be consumed by human judgment, instead looking to God as the ultimate Judge who will bring everything to light in His perfect timing. Trusting God’s justice allows us to let go of bitterness and anxiety, knowing that He sees, He knows, and He will make all things right. [23:30]
1 Corinthians 4:3-5 (ESV)
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
Reflection: Is there a situation where you feel misunderstood or wrongly judged? How can you release your need for vindication and trust God to be your righteous Judge?
Day 4: Respond Like Jesus: Bless, Endure, and Forgive
Jesus calls us to a radically different way of responding to slander, insult, and mistreatment—not with retaliation, but with blessing, endurance, and forgiveness. Paul echoes Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, urging us to bless when we are verbally abused, endure when persecuted, and reply as friends when slandered. This Christlike response is not easy, but it is possible as we look to Jesus, who suffered without retaliation and entrusted Himself to God. By imitating Christ, we become living testimonies of His love and grace, even in the face of injustice. [26:24]
Matthew 5:43-45 (ESV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Reflection: Who is someone that has hurt or slandered you? What is one practical way you can bless or pray for them today, following Jesus’ example?
Day 5: Rely on Kingdom Power, Not Your Own
When we are wounded by slander or misunderstanding, our natural instinct is to react or retaliate. But the way of Jesus is to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, responding with love, humility, and self-control. The kingdom of God is not about mere words, but about real power—the power to forgive, to endure, and to bless even when it’s hard. As we pray before we speak, listen before we react, and seek God’s wisdom, we become people who respond rather than react, allowing God’s power to work through us for healing and unity. [31:50]
1 Corinthians 4:20 (ESV)
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.
Reflection: The next time you feel the urge to react defensively or harshly, will you pause to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for strength to respond with love and gentleness? What would that look like in a specific situation you’re facing?
Quotes
If you've been misjudged or gossiped about, find it in your heart to forgive. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. We're told that over and over and over in the New Testament to forgive as the Lord forgave us. [00:35:17] (18 seconds)
When we slander one another, we become puppets of the evil one, where we're just the body and the mouth, and he's the one behind diabolosing one another, and that's not fitting for people who follow Jesus. [00:18:47] (19 seconds)
He says, to this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate. When he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [00:28:37] (24 seconds)
Whenever we rely on our own power in being slandered, misjudged, misunderstood, any of those situations, if I rely on my own power, I'm going to do nothing but react and retaliate. And reacting always goes bad. When we react rather than train ourselves to respond, we're going to say things we wish we wouldn't have said, and we're going to overreact. [00:31:18] (32 seconds)
When we are verbally abused, we bless. What? When we are persecuted, we endure it. When we are slandered, we reply as friends. We have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now. [00:27:08] (19 seconds)
There's an interesting little verse by King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7. I think it's verse 21 and 22. I'm paraphrasing a little bit, but he says, he says, don't listen too much to what you overhear your servant say about you. He said, because you know yourself, you've said the same stuff. That's the truth. We can forgive when somebody does that to us. Because if we're to be honest, we've done it too. And we're growing. [00:34:12] (33 seconds)
But yet, before Paul corrects their behavior, their disorders, their divisions, he tells them who they are in Jesus. He tells them their identity in Christ. This is who you are. And then he says, listen, because of who you are in Jesus, live this way. Stop this and start doing that, so to speak. [00:08:26] (21 seconds)
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