“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12

Have you ever been glad for trouble coming your way? Especially if it were a friend or family member who'd go and say mean things about you? Always considering things are not true, how does it feel if a mother, daughter, brother calls the boss to tell him a lot of bad stuff about his employée? How awkward for the boss, even if he knows it to not be true. To have someone slaughter the good reputation so hardly worked for is not funny. It is not a joke either to heap a lot of gossip or bad stuff on somebody's back. 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. Paul writes here that slander and gossip are two different things, but both are listed on the very bad side of manners, if the goal is to please God. Words, as has been often stated, have a great power, they can build and they can tear down. And though at times it may be necessary to rebuke somebody, to slander his reputation is never necessary, even more so if it is not true. In these days of social media, where a lot is known about people with or without their consent, no need to add to that by telling lies. Remember always, God is watching. - On the other hand, we have said so many untrue and hurtful things about God, that it is hardly astonishing this should happen to his servants as well. So beware, on whatever side you are standing. May God protect and guide all the words spoken. May they be few and fruitful.