Defending Integrity for the Gospel’s Sake 

Sometimes we might feel the need to defend ourselves when we are accused of doing something wrong. However, it is important to use good judgment and only speak up if it is necessary to protect our godly influence. 

Some people in Corinth tried to gain followers by speaking negatively about Paul’s character, so he expressed his Apostolic credentials, reluctantly. In defense against his adversaries, Paul questioned how he had wronged the Corinthians. Was it by preaching to them free of charge? He reminded them that his needs were met by the brethren from Macedonia, and that he was merely trying to prevent false teachers from deceiving the Corinthians. Simply put, Paul wanted to maintain his godly influence among them! He went on to describe his difficult labor and trials, both external (such as being imprisoned and beaten) and internal (such as his constant concern for the churches). 

5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 

6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?

8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 

9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 

10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 

11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 

14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

~ 2 Corinthians 11:5-15

If our wholesome influence among others is threatened by some who are impugning our integrity, we may very well need to defend our own character. But the Apostle Paul was a humble man who never boasted about himself because of pride, and neither should we.