One: The next time you hear someone slam another Christian or put them in a bad light, ask them: So what was his/her response when you shared this with him/her over coffee?

You’ll quickly find that nine times out of ten, the person doing the disparaging never spoke with the person they are speaking negatively about via phone, let alone in person, the appropriate format where serious issues should be worked out among God’s children.

“Malign no one” NASB; “Speak evil of no one” NKJV; “Slander no one” NIV

~ Titus 3:2

“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. By this you will fulfill the Law and the Prophets.”

~Jesus

“I’ll speak ill of no man, not even in the matter of truth, but excuse the faults I hear and speak the good I know of everybody.”

~Benjamin Franklin

Two: Don’t make the mistake of following a Christian “leader” who judges the motives of others, disparages their efforts, demeans their character, or belittles their successes. This is a tell-tale sign that the perceived “leader” is unbroken, dangerous, and will injure many.

Three: Become what you already are (you are glorious in Christ), pursue Him who is already yours (He’s wonderful and discoverable), and listen to Him who never stops speaking (pay attention and be aware).