Slander – Sermon by Pastor Sahay

Sermon Reflection – Sep 20th

We notice time and again in the Word of God, that we’re asked to be careful with our words. Words can either build or destroy. Our conduct as believers in Christ, must be such that it will build/ encourage a fellow believer. As we walked through the sermon, we were reminded of various scriptures that strongly opposed slandering and how it adversely impacts people. There are straightforward instructions (Lev 19:16) to not be gossipers of brethren. Sin will always have its consequences and makes the sinner a slave to sin. People who fear God, do not slander. We are made in the image of God and are called to respect the other person no matter how much evil they do to us which I believe is one test of Christly Character. Slander may be true or false information, but being Children of God we are called to remember that Slandering and Godly life cannot co-exist. Pastor spoke about the few subtle ways people can slander within a church community, such as sharing a prayer or asking to be cautious about a person or sharing hurtful thoughts to someone. Yes, as these may sound like perfect reasons for catharsis or needed support, the listener can always be impacted negatively about the person spoken of. Few of the ways we can take steps as mature Christians is to share with elders who we trust wont be influenced by our judgements, check our motives about why we are sharing to others, share to one person who can be a confidant.
As we understood the different ways we can share our problems to others without being gossipers, we also need to be aware of the consequences of being the listener. If we are on the other end where someone shares their concerns to us, we must do so being full aware that listening is also partaking in the slander, if we don’t check our motives in listening to such conversations we can be encouraging slander. However the right way to go about it would be to Listen carefully with the intention to restore people.
As always God asks us to check our intentions. At every step of any conversation may our heart be in check with what God has called us to do believing that our fight is not against flesh and blood but rather with the principalities of the world and forgive our brethren as Christ has forgiven us.

Sermon reflections by Alrina