Do not slander - James 4:11-12

Jas 4:11-12

V.11

Do not stir up “drama”

Do not assume or speculate people’s motives

Do not slander or gossip (how is what we’re doing different than gossip?)

Do not reside in unfounded speculation (conclusion without sufficient facts)

Slander is a form of evil

In verse 7, devil is related the verse 11’s slander.

Diabolos, in Greek, means slanderer

Slander is a heart issue that fails to consider other above himself

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk 12:31)

Now, what is one of the most common verses used is Mt 7:1

“Judge not, that you be not judged.”

Doesn’t mean that you cannot discern (form of judgement)

Mt 7:6

Brothers

Exhort

Discipline

Correct

If you speak against a Brother, you’re breaking God’s law (Lev 19:16)

If you speak against a Brother, you’re putting yourself as “judge” of the law thus standing above it

You’re determining whether the law is valid or not

We’re supposed to be changed and shaped by God’s word (doer) and not ignoring or being indifferent about it

Only one law giver, God

Perfect in authority

Perfect to save and destroy

Perfect grace

If you understand God’s grace, then how can you speak against your Brother?

One day, we will have to give an account to God for every word we spoke. What are we storing up for that day?

Instead of slandering, we should look to be loving, encouraging, comforting.

We are in no position to judge

We should direct each other’s attention to Jesus and correct in love (Jas 5:20)