How are you truly treating others?
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
I have a dear friend who has one of the closest relationships with the Lord I’ve ever seen. She seeks His presence daily, and the Holy Spirit speaks to her in ways that overflow with beauty and passion. Watching her walk in obedience inspires me.
Unfortunately, I’ve also noticed how her obedience has ruffled feathers among some who claim to follow Jesus. When the Lord speaks to her—whether to change course or to stop something altogether—she listens and obeys, no matter the consequences.
Recently, I witnessed her being slandered publicly on social media by a person who misunderstood a financial decision God led her to make. Though my friend handled the matter with grace and without drama, this person still posted salacious comments, calling her a “fake Christian.” The irony? She was simply stewarding the money God entrusted her with—exactly as He instructed.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). If our first response to what we don’t understand is to tear down another believer with words, then perhaps we are not listening to the Shepherd’s voice ourselves.
The truth is, slander never comes from the Spirit of God. Scripture calls us to be the Body of Christ—building each other up, submitting to the Head (Christ Himself), and walking in wisdom. Fake Christianity is shameful, yes. But how much worse is it to know His grace and still treat others with jealousy, resentment, and animosity?
Love always costs more than slander. It takes patience, humility, and prayer to extend grace. But it’s the mark of true discipleship. So before you accuse someone else of being a “fake,” perhaps first ask: Am I blinded by the very thing I abhor?
Reflection
When we choose slander, we echo the voice of the accuser. When we choose love, we echo the voice of the Shepherd. Which voice are you amplifying today? Pause before you post, speak, or share. Ask the Holy Spirit: “Is this building up the Body of Christ, or is it tearing it down?” Then walk in obedience to His leading, even if silence takes more strength than speaking.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” —Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guard my lips from words that wound. Teach me to listen for Your voice and to follow Your Spirit instead of my emotions. Help me to walk in grace toward my brothers and sisters, especially when I don’t understand his or her path. May my words bring life, encouragement, and love, reflecting the heart of Christ in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
#ChristianLiving #ChooseLove #FaithOverFear #GuardYourWords #WalkInObedience #BodyOfChrist #SpeakLife #Ephesians429 #LoveOneAnother #FollowingJesus
The Aging English Major 
The saddest thing is that these kinds of situations are beginning increasingly common. It’s one thing to be slandered by unbelievers, but it’s just so sad that believers join the so-called bandwagon in trying to tear down another believer. In my opinion, this is another result of a growing lack of reverence for Christ. We are warned repeatedly against gossip and even more importantly we are told by the Apostle Paul in the book of 1 Corinthians that we belong to each other. If we belong to each other, we should encourage each other, care for each other, pray for each other and build each other up. That sister should be commended by her obedience to Christ irrespective of how her actions may seem. Whatever is done for Christ will last!
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Thank you for sharing your heart and the Word! May we all love one another as we love ourselves.
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In first sentence I meant “becoming” and not “beginning”.
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