How Does A Person Respond To False Accusations?
HOW DOES A PERSON RESPOND TO FALSE ACCUSATIONS?
BIBLE READING: Daniel 6:1-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the requirements of his religion.” (Daniel 6:5)
SILENCE IS OFTEN AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO FALSE ACCUSATIONS.
At this time, Daniel was over eighty years old and one of Darius’s top three administrators. He was working with those who did not believe in his God, but he worked more efficiently and capably than all the rest. Thus, he attracted the attention of the pagan king and earned a place of respect. He also attracted the envy of coworkers. These jealous officials couldn’t find anything about Daniel’s life to criticize, so they attacked his religion. If you face jealous critics because of your faith, be glad they’re criticizing that part of your life-perhaps they had to focus on your faith as a last resort! Respond by continuing to believe and live as you should. Then remember that God is in control, fighting this battle for you.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 35:1-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Malicious witnesses testify against me. They accuse me of things I don’t even know about. (Psalm 35:11)
PRAYER IS AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO ACCUSATIONS.
This is one of the “imprecatory” (cursing) psalms that call upon God to deal with enemies. These psalms sound extremely harsh, but we must remember: (1) David was fleeing from men who were unjustly seeking to kill him. As God’s anointed king over a nation called to annihilate the evil people of the land, David found it difficult to understand. (2) David’s call for justice was sincere; it was not a cover for vengeance. He truly wanted to seek God’s perfect ideal for his nation. (3) David did not say he would take vengeance, but gave the matter over to God. These are merely his suggestions. (4) These psalms use hyperbole (or overstatement). They were meant to motivate others to take a strong stand against sin and evil.
Cruelty is far removed from the experience of many, but it is a daily reality for others. God promises to help the persecuted and bring judgment on unrepentant sinners. David cried out to God to defend him when he was unjustly accused. When we pray for justice to be done, we are praying as David did. If you are unjustly accused, your natural reaction may be to lash out in revenge or to give a detailed defense of your every move. Ask God to fight the battle for you. He will clear your name in the eyes of those who really matter. When Christ returns, the wicked will be punished.
BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:1-16
KEY BIBLE VERSE: God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. (Matthew 5:11)
JOY IS AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO ACCUSATIONS.
Jesus said to rejoice when we’re persecuted. Persecution can be good because (1) it takes our eyes off earthly rewards, (2) it strips away superficial believers, (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure, and (4) it serves as an example for others to follow. We can take comfort in knowing that many of God’s greatest prophets were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel). Our persecution means we have shown ourselves faithful. In the future God will reward the faithful by letting them enter his eternal kingdom where there is no more persecution.
Taken from iLumina's Life Application Article
BIBLE READING: Daniel 6:1-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the requirements of his religion.” (Daniel 6:5)
SILENCE IS OFTEN AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO FALSE ACCUSATIONS.
At this time, Daniel was over eighty years old and one of Darius’s top three administrators. He was working with those who did not believe in his God, but he worked more efficiently and capably than all the rest. Thus, he attracted the attention of the pagan king and earned a place of respect. He also attracted the envy of coworkers. These jealous officials couldn’t find anything about Daniel’s life to criticize, so they attacked his religion. If you face jealous critics because of your faith, be glad they’re criticizing that part of your life-perhaps they had to focus on your faith as a last resort! Respond by continuing to believe and live as you should. Then remember that God is in control, fighting this battle for you.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 35:1-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Malicious witnesses testify against me. They accuse me of things I don’t even know about. (Psalm 35:11)
PRAYER IS AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO ACCUSATIONS.
This is one of the “imprecatory” (cursing) psalms that call upon God to deal with enemies. These psalms sound extremely harsh, but we must remember: (1) David was fleeing from men who were unjustly seeking to kill him. As God’s anointed king over a nation called to annihilate the evil people of the land, David found it difficult to understand. (2) David’s call for justice was sincere; it was not a cover for vengeance. He truly wanted to seek God’s perfect ideal for his nation. (3) David did not say he would take vengeance, but gave the matter over to God. These are merely his suggestions. (4) These psalms use hyperbole (or overstatement). They were meant to motivate others to take a strong stand against sin and evil.
Cruelty is far removed from the experience of many, but it is a daily reality for others. God promises to help the persecuted and bring judgment on unrepentant sinners. David cried out to God to defend him when he was unjustly accused. When we pray for justice to be done, we are praying as David did. If you are unjustly accused, your natural reaction may be to lash out in revenge or to give a detailed defense of your every move. Ask God to fight the battle for you. He will clear your name in the eyes of those who really matter. When Christ returns, the wicked will be punished.
BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:1-16
KEY BIBLE VERSE: God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. (Matthew 5:11)
JOY IS AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO ACCUSATIONS.
Jesus said to rejoice when we’re persecuted. Persecution can be good because (1) it takes our eyes off earthly rewards, (2) it strips away superficial believers, (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure, and (4) it serves as an example for others to follow. We can take comfort in knowing that many of God’s greatest prophets were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel). Our persecution means we have shown ourselves faithful. In the future God will reward the faithful by letting them enter his eternal kingdom where there is no more persecution.
Taken from iLumina's Life Application Article
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