Rubbish

 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
1 Corinthians 4:13 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.4.13.ESV

Sadly, the experience of Paul and company is borne out by many faithful Christians ever since. The church is not free of scandals, but it is also full of faithful ministers who nonetheless get slandered. How should we respond to false accusations? With entreaties.

Who knows whether or not we will win our accusers over? Paul was an accuser of the brethren, who persecuted them to death, until God turned his life around. If God can transform Paul he can transform anyone.

Even to this day, Christians are despised. Even in the West, where we aren't persecuted to the extent of other parts of the world, we're despised by the world around us. Westerners think they've moved on from the timeless truths of the word of God.

Sadly, in many parts of the world, Christians are discarded like rubbish: thrown into prison, tortured and murdered. Thankfully, Jesus promises that we're blessed when these things happen for our faith, because great is our reward in heaven. If we only had hope for this life, we'd be supremely pitiable.

'Blessed God, thank You for blessing us even through our suffering. Help us to hold on to hope in You, for Your name's sake, amen'

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