— “Gospel wisdom means trusting God to defend truth rather than defending yourself.”
📖 Summary
When falsely accused or slandered, Christians must respond not with revenge but with discernment, faith, and grace.
Scripture calls us to overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21),
trusting that God Himself will defend the truth in His time.
1️⃣ Introduction | “I found out someone’s been speaking badly of me. What should I do?”
Our instinct is to retaliate, justify, or clear our name.
But the gospel teaches restraint — to live as a witness of truth, not a defender of reputation.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
The question is not “How do I win?” but “How can Christ be glorified through my response?”
2️⃣ Biblical Foundation | The Scriptural Model of Response
📘 Romans 12:17–19 (ESV)
“Repay no one evil for evil… never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.”
→ Entrust justice to God, not self-defense.
📘 Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
→ Prayer transforms bitterness into faith.
📘 Proverbs 26:4–5 (ESV)
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly… answer a fool according to his folly.”
→ Response requires timing and discernment.
📘 1 Peter 2:23 (ESV)
“When He was reviled, He did not revile in return… but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”
→ Jesus modeled strength through restraint.
3️⃣ Theological Insights
📜 John MacArthur — The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness
“Those who stand upon truth need not defend themselves;
they trust God to vindicate them.”
📜 R.C. Sproul — The Holiness of God
“Holiness prioritizes divine justice over human vindication.”
📜 John Piper — Future Grace
“Choosing not to retaliate is faith in future grace.”
📜 Jonathan Edwards — Charity and Its Fruits
“True charity prays for the restoration of those who slander us.”
📜 Westminster Confession of Faith, Ch. 23
“Believers must seek justice not through private vengeance, but within God-ordained order.”
4️⃣ False Views vs. Biblical Correction
| False View | Problem | Biblical Correction |
|---|---|---|
| “If I stay quiet, people will think I’m guilty.” | Fear of man | God will reveal truth in His time. |
| “You have to hit back to protect yourself.” | Fleshly reaction | Leave vengeance to God (Rom 12:19). |
| “Forgiving means trusting again immediately.” | Emotional confusion | Forgiveness is instant; trust is rebuilt gradually. |
| “The church should stay neutral.” | Avoidance of justice | Church must guard both truth and unity. |
5️⃣ Practical Application | Five Biblical Steps
1️⃣ Pause and Pray — Control emotion before action.
2️⃣ Discern the Facts — Separate rumor from verifiable truth.
3️⃣ Confront Privately if Possible — Seek peace (Matt 18:15).
4️⃣ Do Not Retaliate — Silence and good works speak louder than defense.
5️⃣ Seek Wise Counsel — Involve church or leadership when necessary.
6️⃣ Conclusion
The believer’s strength lies not in defending reputation but in trusting divine vindication.
Slander cannot destroy what God sustains.
Our task is to respond with truth, grace, and patience —
because God Himself defends His children.
“When God is your defender, no false word can define you.” — Revito
Faith. Grace. Integrity. — Revito
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#Slander #Defamation #Romans1219 #Matthew544 #1Peter223 #Proverbs26 #JohnMacArthur #RCSproul #JohnPiper #JonathanEdwards #WestminsterConfession #ReformedTheology #FaithGraceIntegrity #Revito
