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  HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO PERSONAL SLANDER?
  by Conrad Murrell
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God and
reflecting on ourselves when faced with personal slander.

Topics: "Trust In God", "Dealing With Slander"
Scripture References: Psalm 7:1, Psalm 118:8, Proverbs 28:26, Romans 8:31, 1 Peter 2:23

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DESCRIPTION
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Conrad Murrell preaches on Psalm 7, where David, facing slander and
persecution, puts his trust in God for deliverance. The psalmist's
example challenges us to seek God's vindication rather than relying on
human defense when falsely accused. He acknowledges his vulnerability
and dependence on God for deliverance, recognizing that without God,
there is no one to rescue him. David's willingness to consider the
possibility of truth in the accusations teaches us the importance of
self-reflection and correction in the face of criticism, leading to a
deeper trust in the Lord amidst rejection.

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CONTENT
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"A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of
Cush, a Benjaminite. O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me
from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Lest he tear my soul
like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. O
Lord my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; if I
have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have
delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) Let the enemy persecute
my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth,
and lay mine honor in the dust." - Psalm 7:1-5

The psalmist finds himself in a position we all commonly share at times.
He is being slandered. His words and actions have been misrepresented
and his character maligned.

He wisely makes his appeal before God. "In Thee do I put my trust." How
different this is from most of us who, when slandered, go about refuting
it in the court of men. If it is false, God will stand by us, and men
can do no harm. If it is true, then the comfort and vindication of men
is a hollow victory; for the Judge of all the earth knows our guilt; and
He will avenge.

The godly man confesses his vulnerability. He does not foolishly trust
in his own strength or the strength of his allies. He well knows if he
draws not his help from God there will be "none to deliver." He makes
the confession of the redeemed who, apart from the love of Christ, are
"accounted as sheep for the slaughter."

Then the accused does a most prudent thing. While affirming his
innocence, he does not fail to consider the possibility of truth in the
allegations against him. If we would be honest, then we have nothing to
fear from objective examination. The truth of the matter is, when people
accuse us, there is usually some truth in what they say. And while the
whole of the slander may be a lie, we must not shirk to acknowledge what
is true, and be rebuked and corrected.

Thus, personal slander can be an occasion for soul searching, for
personal discipline, and for learning to trust the Lord in the face of
popular rejection.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/conrad-murrell/how-do-you-respond-to-personal-slander/
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