All things work together for good for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose. This assurance from God is a deep assurance in times of natural calamity, but it is even more profound when we are confronted with the consequences of sin and rebellion. This too, is controlled by God for His good purposes.
We are Christians; our faith centers on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross of Christ was our salvation, and yet, we must never forget that it was also a gross travesty of justice, a thinly-disguised murder. The Latin word for cross reveals this; this murder is the crux of the matter. And this is the heart of our faith.
So how could we possibly be dismayed or unsettled by any lesser sins that are brought against God’s people? This is why Jesus can tell us when we are slandered, when we are libeled, when all manner of outrageous things are said against us, that our response is to be one of rejoicing. Rejoice, the Lord said, and be exceedingly glad, when you are reviled. Rejoice, the Lord said, and be exceedingly glad when all sorts of evil things are said about you.
Although we do not know the whole picture, it appears that recently a sort of signal appears to have been given, and a series of independent slanders are circulating against us. Many of you are involved in these things directly, all of you are involved indirectly. And many responses, depending on the circumstances, may be appropriate for you to pursue before men. But all responses, before God, must begin with obedience at this point. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad.
We may do this in confidence because we serve a God who conquered the world for love by means of a slandered victim in a judicial murder. This is the God we worship, the Father of Jesus Christ our Lord.