Once someone has heard the gossip, they are unlikely to believe our explanation. The fact that they were convinced by the gossip tells us they don't value us, or they would have chosen not to believe what they heard.
Christ told only the truth, and yet the Pharisees lied against Him, turning the people who believed them against Him too.
Psalm 101:5 "Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure."
Proverbs 20:19 "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler."
Proverbs 12:15-17 "…15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. 16 A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. 17 He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit."
Proverbs 16:28 "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends."
The best recourse when someone has gossiped against us is to ignore it. Answer it only if someone comes to you directly to find out the truth.
Be comforted that God knows the truth! If someone wants to believe the lies against us there is nothing we can do to convince them otherwise.
The ungodly lied against the prophets, the apostles, and Jesus Christ, and they will do it to us too.
God gives us guidelines for dealing with those who love to gossip and turn others against you, here is one of them:
Proverbs 20:19 "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler."
And, finally, pray for those who are so insecure that they need to bring someone else down to feel superior. They are destitute without strength and without confidence.
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