Seventeenth century historian, Thomas Fuller, said, “Even doubtful accusations leave a stain behind them.” A stain, a spot or a blip on the timeline of life that cannot be washed away.
Being falsely accused hurts and can desolate families. Being falsely accused doesn’t hurt for a moment; it, as Fuller describes, “leaves a stain.” It’s a stain that is hard to wash away because unlike God, man has a hard time leaving the past in the past.
Deuteronomy 5:20 says, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
God’s people are warned in the Ten Commandments not to make claims, accuse or condemn others, especially without the facts. God gives a stern warning because of the residue the accusation leaves behind and the destruction that it can cause.
Today’s Integrity Moment was adapted with permission from the writings of Family Business Coach, Author, and Addiction Recovery Advocate, Stephanie Winslow.
