I asked this question a few days ago on Facebook, “when is it ok for a Christ follower to defend themselves against slander?”

I got very mixed responses.

All of them made sense, all of them were scriptural.

Here are a few of the comments, I’m gonna leave the names off of the comments.

If it comes from another believer, we are to go to them and confront their sin… The Old Testament gives us many examples of God’s people praying against those who were trying to hurt them, I would consider that how we are to act against unbelievers

  

When you get that answer… let me know. Jesus didn’t even fight back as he was being beaten, spit on, made fun of, cursed, and nailed to a cross. He allowed it all to happen even though he could have disemboweled each and every person who was hurting Him. I think that’s your answer. Paul got back up after being stoned and went right back to preaching the Gospel. Suck it up, Jason. It takes balls to be a Christ Follower, man. Big hairy ones!

 

So… while Jesus did accept all of the insults without fighting back during his “time” (crucifixion), he did not back down from a fight any other time. His ministry was filled with him taking on the religious leaders who were calling him names… If it affected my family, livelihood, or ability to serve God, i would take it on , but make sure you can stand before God with your actions in doing so. if it doesn’t affect one of those things, who cares?

 

fighting back and standing up for yourself are two different things–never hesitate to stand up for what you believe but I agree with (name deleted)–don’t lower yourself to negative behavior, be solid and confident in what you believe. Let other people “be stupid”

 

ignore critics who are cowards and don’t have the nuts to say something to your face. read Nehemiah. don’t come off the wall. sword in one hand. trowel in the other. critics detract from mission. if they get in your face. fight back but don’t get bogged down.

Who’s right? All of them? None of them?

 

What do you think, weigh in and tell me is it ok for a Christ follower to defend themselves against slander?

 

I’m going to post a follow-up with a blog friend and get her point of view, I’ll link it when it happens.