This particular sin is one of the few that calls down upon the sinner a corporal punishment (punishment while alive) that can be quite devastating. These punishments take on many forms depending upon the severity of the defamation and the effect it has on the victim.

There are idle gossipers that love to bring others down because it makes up for their inadequacies, they think. Their corporal punishment might be as small as having hay fever. Whereas, a vindictive assassination of character is usually dealt with by much more severe consequences. You see, God protects you and me from the devils having their way with us. He allows temptation only to test us and as Jesus told the world pray that “He leads us not into temptation.”

When someone seeks vengeance upon another person through character assassination, for whatever reason, God can and often does remove His protection from the underworld’s attacking the assassinator which leaves this person open to anything from family breakdown, loss of job, to yes, even death. This is why it is never a good idea to talk down on someone, something our forefathers knew but we have lost. They saw the misfortune of people who practiced defamation of character through the ages and it was handed down by their fathers to never partake of such evil.

A little known truth is that “every word that comes forth from your mouth will be judged.” This quote from scripture has deep ramifications. For example, if Mary starts a rumor about Susan by telling Paul some “juicy gossip” that defames Susan’s character and Paul proceeds to pass this gossip on down the line, each person that takes part in this chain of sin will be judged for every person below them. That is, Mary is responsible for everyone’s sin in the chain, no matter how many people are involved and Paul is responsible for everyone except Mary. This is much like setting fire to a forest. It all started with one spark! My grandfather told me “the words you use will come back on you, so make them worth receiving.”

Yes, character assassination is a most despicable sin and whether it is slander or not does not change the consequences of the act.

About the Author:

Mark Sanford is a retired communications specialist living in Austin, Tx. He and his wife both believe in the benefits of good mind and body through spiritual and physical exercise. Mark writes for AlphaLane.com.

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