One of the most painful experiences for a Christian is to have lies or falsehoods spoken against them. Defamation of character and slander is a subtle form of persecution through the tongue. Jesus spoke of disciples being persecuted who had all manner of evil spoken against them falsely (Matt. 5:11). 1 Corinthians 4:13 starts, “Being defamed, we entreat.” The word translated “being defamed” is a compound of the particle that is similar to our English prefix “un” or “mis”. The other part of the compound verb means “to utter a sound” or “to speak.” A good reputation can be distorted by a slanderer who takes our good name and presents it to someone as being a lie. Some are bent on being a butcherer of character and misrepresent the words and actions of others to convey a different opinion of them. There are a variety of reasons for this, but it is often a childish response of seeks to even the score. It may not be anything that we say of do, but what another says about us or does for us.  To bring us down a notch, the slanderer attacks us to keep us on par with themselves. They are like flies that choose a small sore on an otherwise healthy body to land upon. They know it will hurt us most.
Our first response to this report of us is whether it is true. We must admit that we are not to defend ourselves as innocent as the first response to allegations. No one is perfect. If is true, the first thing is to admit it and attempt to correct it. The blessedness of Matthew 5, however, it not the result of true representation. It is the result of “false” accusations.
Second, is it for Christ’s sake that we are being defamed? Such an attack can, also, be the result of “self’s sake” instead of Christ’s sake. Typically, if we are slandered for self’s sake, our normal reaction is retaliation and countercharges. This describes the desire to get even. If we are innocent of this misrepresentation, we should not fear. It still will be painful and some will believe such lies, but any unfavorable views of our character and conduct are like fleeting clouds that soon dissipate at the end of the day. Ultimately, the greatest comfort is that God will vindicate us. If we are spoken against for the sake of Christ, rejoice and be exceeding glad, for our reward is great. God will right all wrongs, but remember that no one will be seeking justice in the presence of a Holy God. We will all desire mercy and for that reason, our response is to feel pity and show mercy to those who show no mercy, to bless those who curse you and say all manner of evil against you.