A Good Report

Remind them to . . . slander no one. —Titus 3:1–2

Although it happened decades ago, it seems like yesterday I was unjustly slandered and my reputation and pride hurt. Although devastated at the time, I can look back and see how God used that incident to mature me in several areas. One valuable lesson I learned was the damage we do when we spread an “evil report.”

There have been times when I’ve put another Christian in a bad light by repeating needless information. As a result, I’ve had to ask forgiveness. Having to humble myself and deal with those issues has taught me to be more careful about what I say about others.

If we approach God in humility, He will convict us when our words don’t please Him. Ask, “Is this a good report of this person? Have I verified the facts? Are my words kind and necessary?”

Philippians 4:8 is a good test for both our thoughts and our words: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable . . . dwell on these things.”