Our Response to Our Accusers

 It is so very difficult when people set out to harm us. They accuse us of things that are not true because they want to hurt us. This is such a painful experience no matter who attacks us with the accusations, but it is especially hurtful when the accusations come from someone we love. Not only that, it is very hurtful for others to turn on us when we have done our best to show them our love in word and in deed. However, it does happen sometimes, and we have to decide how to respond.

King David faced this situation personally at different times. He learned from his experiences and from the Lord. God showed David how to respond correctly. (Psalm 109:4) He said that in return for his love they became his accusers, but he gave himself to prayer. That is God's way for us to respond in these difficult situations. Let's think about why prayer is best.

Whenever we are accused or attacked by others, our flesh will want to retaliate by accusing the other person or by attacking them in some way. That never works as we think it will. The situation will only come to a good conclusion if the person who has attacked us repents and confesses their untrue accusations. We can't make them do that, but God can work on their hearts, and they can be changed, if we will lovingly pray for them. Then, we can be friends again. We can love each other as God loves us.

Also, when accusations are made against us, people hear those things, and they do not know if they are true or not. If we try to defend ourselves, people may think that it is just our word against their word. That doesn't solve the problem. However, when we pray, God can show them that the accusations are not true by vindicating us in His wisdom. Therefore, prayer is always the right response to being accused and attacked.  

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 110-114.