1 Peter 3:16: Having A Good Conscience, So That, When You Are Slandered, Those Who Revile Your Good Behavior In Christ May Be Put To Shame.

1 Peter 3:16

[16] Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (ESV)

 

When you think about having a good conscience you likely think that everyone will realize that you are a good, godly person. You would probably expect that people would not say anything evil about you because they would know better. After all, who would believe a false story about you when your conscience is clear before God?

Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who are willing to slander your good name. They have no problem taking a chance on people believing them. Evil people delight in spreading evil. Liars love to lie. If they see that you have a good conscience they are possibly intimidated by your righteousness. They will have no problem spreading terrible things about you.

The Apostle Peter says that your good conscience will not keep people from reviling you. Rather, when they do revile you, the evil people will ultimately be put to shame. It is fair to note that the people who have reviled you will not be put to shame immediately. It may take a while. You may not even see it in your lifetime.

God himself is the righteous judge. We need to walk in righteousness so that God is glorified in our lives. He keeps score. He knows your good behavior. Those who have trashed your reputation will have to give an account before God. Keep your conscience clear before God; before you are reviled, and after you are reviled. God will be glorified.

Is someone slandering your reputation? Stay close to God. If you are going to maintain your good conscience get on your knees and pray for the one who is bringing slander.