We live in a time when people have no problem accusing others of wrongdoing. It’s easy for people to pass judgment on a situation and claim they know in their hearts who is telling the truth. The truth is that we cannot step outside of God’s boundary and misuse our spiritual gifts to shortcut God’s process of determining someone’s guilt or innocence. In fact, the stronger our feelings about a person or subject, the less likely we hearing God clearly!
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16).
This commandment is one of God’s Ten Commandments, warning us against bearing false witness. There are significant issues with false accusations. First, God deeply values each person’s life and reputation. He forbids us from engaging in evil actions like stealing, killing, or destroying someone’s good name. This type of behavior is dark and has no place among God’s people. While we all may have opinions about certain situations, it is not necessary to share or impose them on others if we lack objective facts.
Secondly, Jesus has called us to be His witnesses, sharing the gospel, and testifying to what the Lord has done in our lives. When we bear false witness against others, we lose credibility in sharing Truth. People won’t trust us if they’ve seen us damage or destroy someone’s reputation.
Thirdly, being falsely accused can be very painful. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and if we don’t want to be falsely accused, we should treat others the way we wish to be treated, avoiding any involvement in such behavior.
No one wants to be the subject of false accusations. We all need to exercise self-control and tame our tongues, refraining from making hasty judgments or bearing false witness. Instead, we can pray for God to expose and reveal the truth, and choose not to engage in conversations that lead to gossip or backbiting.
Lord, help us to tame our tongue and use it for your glory and for the edification of others!