Among the many trials that a Christian may endure in this fallen world, few are as painful as slander. To be falsely accused, misrepresented, or condemned by others can bring a suffering that is difficult to explain to someone who has never experienced it.
The pain is particularly great when the accusations come from those whom we have trusted, those with whom we have laboured, or even those who profess the same Orthodox Christian faith.
Yet the Holy Fathers teach us that the way we respond to such suffering may become a source of spiritual healing—or, if we respond with hatred, an occasion for our own downfall.
St. John Chrysostom offers a profound teaching on this subject:
“It is no small contest—that is, the struggle of enduring slander—but a very great one: the contest against slander.
“Many, therefore, have been overcome by accusations and have lost their souls. For there is nothing more unbearable for those who struggle than words that can wound the soul.
“For he who tears at human flesh does not harm as much as he who bites the soul; for in proportion as the soul is more precious than the body, so much greater is the harm done to it.”
These words reveal a spiritual reality that is easily overlooked. Slander is not merely an injury to our reputation. It is a temptation that can reach into the very depths of our soul.
The unbearable wound of words
St. John Chrysostom reminds us that the soul is more precious than the body.
A physical wound may be visible. Its cause may be understood, and its healing may be observed. But the wounds inflicted by words can remain hidden for years.
A false accusation may destroy friendships, divide families, damage the work of the Church, and cause a person to question whether any good that he has done was ever appreciated.
Words can cause people to lose courage in their spiritual struggles. They can discourage a priest from his ministry, a monk from his obedience, or a faithful Christian from continuing to serve God.
This is why the Holy Father speaks of slander as a great spiritual contest.
The danger is not only that we may suffer injustice. The danger is that, through our response to that injustice, we may lose the peace of our soul.
Christ Himself endured slander
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example of patience in the face of false accusation.
Our sinless and all-holy Lord was accused, mocked, and condemned. He endured the insults of those who rejected Him, and He accepted the Cross for the salvation of mankind.
Guarding the soul in an age of accusation
In our own time, slander has become especially easy to spread.
A careless statement, a distorted quotation, or an accusation published online can reach thousands of people in a matter of minutes. Even when the truth is eventually established, the damage may remain.
Christians must therefore be especially careful about what they hear, what they read, what they believe, and what they repeat.
We must not become instruments of slander by spreading accusations that we have not verified. Nor should we confuse the repetition of an accusation with proof of its truth.
At the same time, there are circumstances in which it is necessary to speak the truth, correct falsehood, defend the innocent, or seek justice. Christian patience does not require us to cooperate with wrongdoing or to remain silent when others are being harmed.
The victory of the Christian
The teaching of St. John Chrysostom calls us to a difficult but essential spiritual discipline.
When we are slandered, we must struggle to preserve our peace. When we are insulted, we must resist the temptation to return the insult. When we are falsely accused, we must entrust ourselves to the righteous judgment of God.
The greatest victory is not necessarily to convince everyone that we are right. Nor is it to silence every person who speaks against us.
The greater victory is to emerge from the trial with our faith intact, our conscience clear, and our soul guarded from hatred.
Let us therefore remember the words of the Holy Father: the soul is more precious than the body, and the wounds inflicted upon it are correspondingly more grievous.
May the Lord grant us the patience to endure injustice, the humility to acknowledge our sins, the courage to defend the truth, and the love to refuse hatred even toward those who have wronged us.
For the final judgment belongs to God, and our own salvation must remain our greatest concern.
Source: St. John Chrysostom, passage on the endurance of slander, as reproduced in the Greek text Περί Συκοφαντίας (On Slander).