Do Not Slander One Another
In James 4:11–12, Scripture confronts a sin that is often treated lightly yet carries serious spiritual implications: speaking evil against one another. What may appear as casual words, criticism, or even justified opinion is revealed by James to be something far more serious, an act that not only harms others but also dishonors God and His Word.
In this portion of the message, we are reminded that slander is not merely a relational issue but a theological one. To speak evil against a brother or sister in Christ is to place ourselves in a position that does not belong to us. It reflects a heart that elevates itself above others, forgetting that we all stand equally in need of God’s grace. Scripture calls us not to tear one another down, but to build one another up, recognizing that those we speak about are recipients of the same mercy we have received.
James also directs our attention to the authority of God as the only true Lawgiver and Judge. When we judge others in a way that assumes authority over their standing before God, we overstep our place and fail to submit to His Word. While believers are called to lovingly hold one another accountable according to Scripture, we must do so with humility, grace, and a right understanding of our own condition before the Lord.
This message calls us to examine our words, our attitudes, and the posture of our hearts. Do our speech and actions reflect pride and self-exaltation, or do they reflect the humility and love that mark those who have been transformed by grace?
May the Word of God guard our tongues, humble our hearts, and lead us to love one another sincerely, so that in both our words and our lives, we reflect the character of Christ and submit fully to His authority alone.
Capitol Commons Reformed Church, Sermon Recording for March 29, 2026
About the Speaker
Ray Caguin
Pastor at Capitol Commons Reformed Church
Ray Caguin serves as a pastor at Capitol Commons Reformed Church and works in business leadership and consultancy as part of his bivocational calling. His work in the marketplace is shaped by a commitment to integrity, stewardship, and faithful service.
He holds a BA in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Asia & The Pacific, pursued a Master of Divinity at Grace School of Theology, and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, with further studies in Biblical Studies and Advanced Biblical Counseling at The Expositors Academy.
Ray serves the Lord alongside his wife, Celina, and their two Shih Tzus, Memo and Nava.
For Biblical Counseling or other matters, you may reach Ray here:
About This Series
The Book of James
The book of James will look piercingly into our lives and how we behave and conduct ourselves, and will force us to see where we are not being who we ought to be in Christ. Are we truly living out in our lives Christ Jesus, who is truly living in us. My prayer is that as we go through this series—and according to the Lord’s will, I estimate this series to go on for about 23 Sundays at the minimum—that the Holy Spirit, as nobody else can, will do surgery on every one of our hearts and minds, so that Sunday after Sunday after Sunday, we are surrendering more and more of our hypocrisies and weaknesses in repentance to Him, but also maturing and being transformed more and more into Christlikeness.
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