The sonnet, titled “On Upholding God’s Command to Love and Forgive When Slander Destroys a Blameless Name, Rejecting Vengeance in Favor of Christ’s Mercy and Divine Justice,” explores the response to slander that ruins a reputation. It contrasts the worldly impulse to seek revenge by harming the slanderer with the righteous choice to follow God’s commands, rooted in Luke 6:33-36 (KJV). These commands urge loving enemies, blessing those who curse, and showing mercy without expecting reward, surpassing the transactional behavior even sinners exhibit. The poem depicts the righteous turning the other cheek, giving graciously, and bearing the pain of slander without spite, as taught by Christ. It concludes with a rejection of hate, a trust in God’s plan, and a commitment to leave judgment to Christ, the Son of Man, emphasizing peace through obedience to divine mercy and justice.

When slander’s poison taints a blameless name,
And vicious lies seek innocence to rend,
The world entices souls to play the game,
To crush the false in haste to make amend.
Yet God’s decree shines clear through hate’s disguise:
Bless those who curse, love foes with steadfast heart.
Though reputations fall beneath such lies,
The righteous shun the urge to tear apart.
For Christ commands to turn the stricken cheek,
To give with grace, yet seek no earthly gain.
His mercy bids the wronged His path to seek,
To bear the wound, yet let no spite remain.
Thus, scorning hate, they trust in heaven’s plan,
And leave all judgment to the Son of Man.