Q: Why do some Christians find it necessary to slander other Christians, Ministries, and Congregations??

I just got off the phone with a friend who has a retreat center and ministry open to churches close to Montgomery. Recently some have said negative things against him and an event happening in two weeks. He asked me why believer(s) in one church would say and/or do things to hurt what he is trying to do and what should he do as a result. This call, short as it was, brought back memories of vindictive “believers” who attempt do harm to those in ministry and other congregations by commenting about them. Consider the following…

First, those who throw ministers, ministries, or congregations (OR YOU) under the bus are GROSSLY violating Scripture. NOTE: These are just a few, there are many more… (Philippians 1:27, 2:3, 2:14)

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Those who say hurtful things about other Congregations, ministers, or believers are sinning! Their conduct gives the enemy ammunition to do his dastardly work. To say anything critical (True or not) about another minister, congregation, ministry, or believer reveals the presence of sin in the person’s heart. The ONLY words spoken to others about another Christian minister, ministry, or congregation should be positive and build them up (See above)! Those who seek to harm Christians, ministers, or congregations or ministries will be judged by God (See below).

All negative comments from Christians have an interesting result… they “grieve the Holy Spirit.” To throw another Christian “under the bus” for any reason grieves God the Holy Spirit!! How? Think of when a child of yours does something that exasperates you… something that wounds your spirit. THAT is the effect on the Holy Spirit when one Christian portrays another negatively!

Everyone who says or does anything to cause harm to another believer should consider carefully this Scripture and most probably seek reconciliation and correct any and all harm they have done.

Second… What about when YOU are “thrown under the bus” by someone else? Again, consider the Scripture…

(Remember Ephesians 4:29-32 above yourself and do not violate it!)

Mt 5:39 Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

Ro 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

When people lie about you… say things that undercut you and/or your ministry… when they insult you publicly, it is clear in Scripture how you should respond. Slap back? No. Undercut them? No. Insult them? No. Ask God to judge them? No… these aren’t Old Testament days (Mt 5:39-41 & Rom 12:14-18). Instead consider the perspective Paul took as recorded in 2 Tim 4:14-17…

Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me…

Does it hurt when someone says and does things that hurt and harm you, your ministry, and/or family? Yes… it does. Is there something you can actively do in response? Yes… turn the other cheek, wait for God to take revenge, pray for them, do good to them (Ro 12:14-18 above). The main issue for you is not what to do to straighten them out, but your own obedience to God. YOU do what is right REGARDLESS of what anyone else does!

We do not live for this life. We do not live to WIN. We live to live again. We choose to be last now to be first later. We are determined to do what is right in God’s sight REGARDLESS of what anyone else does.

Take some time to meditate on these thoughts…