False Tongues Condemned

Isaiah prophesied that God's people would condemn any tongue that rose against them. In them.   In the first century, Christians were often the object of misrepresentation, being depicted as  evildoers.  The words found at Acts 16:20, 21 are typical of such accusations:  "These men are disturbing our city very much, . . .and they are publishing customs that are not lawful for us to take up or practice, seeing we are Romans."   On another occasion, religious opposers tried to incite  the city rulers to act against Christ's followers, asserting:  'These men that have overturned the inhabited earth are present here also, [and they] act in opposition to the decrees of Caesar." (Acts 17:6, 7) The apostle  Paul was labeled "a pestilent fellow" and the leader of a sect that was stirring up seditions "throughout the inhabited earth." -Acts 24:2-5.

Accordingly, it does not surprise us that  true Christians today have faced gross misrepresentations, malicious slander, and smear campaigns.  How is it that we condemn such verbal attacks? -Isaiah 54:17. 

Such accusations and propaganda are often refuted by the fine conduct of Jehovah's Witnesses.  (1 Peter 2:12)  When Christian prove themselves to be law-abiding citizens and moral people who show genuine concern for the welfare of  of their fellow humans, the accusations hurled against them are show up as false.  Our good conduct speaks for itself. As observers note our perseverance in fine works, they are often moved to glorify our heavenly Father and to acknowledge the superior way of life of his servants. Isaiah 60:14; Matthew 5:14-16. 

In addition to our godly conduct, it may at times be necessary to defend  with boldness our Scriptural position. One way is by appealing to governments and courts for protection.  (Esther 8:3; Acts 22:25-29; 25:10-12) When Jesus was on earth, on occasion he openly contended  with his critics, refuting their false accusations.  (Matthew 12:34-37; 15:1-11) May we never allow ridicule at school, at work, or from unbelieving relatives to stop us from making known the truth of God's Word. -2 Peter 3:3, 4.

Next time: Jerusalem-"A Burdensome Stone"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007