Maintaining Unity in the Church

The Bible places great emphasis on unity within the church. In Ephesians 4:3, Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." One of the greatest threats to this unity is the sin of slander. When people in the church engage in malicious gossip and false accusations against others, it poisons relationships and divides the body. As Christians, we must be on guard against this destructive sin.

The Destructiveness of Slander

Slander is making a false spoken statement that damages a person's reputation. Proverbs 10:18 says, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool." Slander flows out of a heart of hatred and does great damage. James 3:5-6 compares the tongue to a small spark that "sets on fire the entire course of life." Slander divides friends, families, and churches.

We live in a ruthless society where people will cut others down to get ahead. But in the church, we are called to a higher standard - to love one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). When we engage in or listen to slanderous talk; we partner with the schemes of the devil to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Slander grieves the Holy Spirit who produces the fruit of love, joy and peace in us (Ephesians 4:30-31).

God's Righteous Judgment

The Bible records instances of God's swift judgment against those who slandered spiritual leaders. In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron criticised Moses, and God struck Miriam with leprosy. In Numbers 16, Korah led a rebellion based on slanderous accusations against Moses. God caused the earth to swallow up Korah and his followers.

Lord Jesus warned that we will give an account for every careless word we speak (Matthew 12:36-37). Those who have damaged others with their words will not escape God's righteous judgment unless they repent. Psalm 101:5 says, "Whoever slanders his neighbour secretly, I will destroy."

Guarding Our Hearts and Mouths

Since slander starts in the heart, that's where we must be on guard. Proverbs 4:23 instructs, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." We must put away bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice, which give rise to slander (Ephesians 4:31). Instead, we should put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).

Proverbs 21:23 says, "Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble." When we are tempted to criticise someone, we should ask: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it beneficial? Most of the time, it's best to remain silent. When we do speak, let it be to build others up, not tear them down. Ephesians 4:29 says, "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."

If we hear someone else engaging in slander, we should gently correct them (Galatians 6:1). Proverbs 25:23 says, "The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks." Just as a harsh word stirs up anger, a gentle correction can stop slander in its tracks.

Maintaining Unity in the Church

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