Slander is a malicious act meant to destroy one's reputation and standing among people, so that the slanderers can promote themselves above the ones they maligned. Being the victim of such an attack is never pleasant, but not hopeless. There are ways to respond to it graciously and profitably.
I've known people on both sides of the spectrum regarding slander, and I've seen how their relationships ended because of it. I've seen the anguish of those who were slandered. They were angry at how the slanderer can just make such false testimonies against them without remorse.
If you've been the victim of a slanderous attack, let me encourage you: God knows what really happened, and He will render justice. He is faithful, but we must do our part in responding graciously as a Christ-follower.
Here's how Christians should respond to a slanderous attack
1. Be Slow to Speak
It's usually tempting to respond quickly, either to defend one's self or to hit back at the slanderer, but it's not wise to do any of that.
James 1:19-20 tells us, "You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness (or 'the justice') God desires." We must all learn to control and stop ourselves from responding in a way that dishonours God.
2. Forgive Your Offender
I know this is hard, but the truth is that the next thing we should do is to forgive our offender even before we start doing anything to face the issue. The truth is that without releasing the offence to God and releasing forgiveness to the offender, we won't be able to handle the problem with the right mind.
Another truth is that our offenders will unlikely ask for our forgiveness anyway. If they deliberately slandered us to step on us, it's likely that they won't be regretting what they did. The forgiveness that we release isn't actually just for them – it's for our own good.
Remember that without forgiving those who offend us, we won't be forgiven ourselves. (see Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:26)
3. Face Your Slanderer the Biblical Way
Matthew 18:15-17 gives us the right way to settle issues with our offenders.
First, we are to approach them personally to talk to them about it, explaining what they did wrong. If they don't listen and repent, we bring a witness or two the second time we approach the offender. If they don't listen still, we tell the church leaders about it and ask their help. If the offenders still reject the efforts made to let them know of their wrongdoing, ask for forgiveness, then say goodbye and sever ties with them and don't trust them again until proven repentant.
Whatever you do, don't do it in the name of revenge or getting even. I know how it feels to be a victim of slanderous accusations, but I also know how foolish it is to respond in an unwise and ungodly manner. Let God exact justice on your behalf. (see Romans 12:19-21)
God Knows What's True
Friends, no matter what kind of slander has been thrown against you, God knows what is true. If we have sin, then we should confess and repent of it before God, and trust Him to do what only He can do. If we're innocent of the lies against us, then let's allow God to defend us.
"Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good." (Romans 12:21)
