Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”
We once had a neighbor in a housing development who was convinced we had reported her shabby and unkempt yard to the manager. She demanded to know why we had not talked to her directly instead of reporting her. Since I had not mentioned anything to anyone about her yard I was dumbfounded by her accusation. Try as we might, we were never able to convince that woman that we had not complained.
We remained neighbors for a year or so following that episode. It made no difference what we did, she considered us her enemies. It soon became evident that we were not the only ones who were the objects of our neighbor’s bitterness. She lacked joy in her life and made those around her unhappy as well.
In reading the book of Job we know that he also faced false accusations from his so-called friends. It became one of his many trials and ordeals. But there is an interesting element in the entire incident. After God had appeared and Job had confessed questioning Him, the Lord dealt with the self-righteous accusers.
In Chapter 42 we read that God required Job’s accusers to make sacrifices before Him and then go to Job and he would pray for them. In verse 8 we read these words: “My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.” Let’s be that type of forgiving person.
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil