No Control
Martin Luther wrote something profound about the commandment "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." He wrote, "We are to fear and love God so that we do not betray, slander, or lie about our neighbor, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain his actions in the kindest way." Obeying that commandment is more than not lying about someone, it is making sure that you give your neighbor the benefit of the doubt.
One of the most painful experiences we can have in life is being slandered and torn down by others. It is especially painful when it is the result of a lie or misunderstanding. People can be especially hard on others, even those we trust. Such slandering even happens among Christians.
Only through Christ can we bear such pain and find relief. We have no control over how others react, but we do have the ability to put our faith in the Lord and allow him to be our guide. In a lament Jeremiah expressed to the Lord his pain about others slandering him: "For I hear many whispering: 'Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!' All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. (Jer 20:10a)" It's easy to stumble under such hurtful words, but the Lord gives us strength. He certainly does for Jeremiah when he concludes his lament saying: "Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. (Jer 20:13)"
When you experience such betrayal sing to the Lord. Through your lament you can find hope and relief, for through your lament you find the Word of God and the wonderful gospel.
One of the most painful experiences we can have in life is being slandered and torn down by others. It is especially painful when it is the result of a lie or misunderstanding. People can be especially hard on others, even those we trust. Such slandering even happens among Christians.
Only through Christ can we bear such pain and find relief. We have no control over how others react, but we do have the ability to put our faith in the Lord and allow him to be our guide. In a lament Jeremiah expressed to the Lord his pain about others slandering him: "For I hear many whispering: 'Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!' All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. (Jer 20:10a)" It's easy to stumble under such hurtful words, but the Lord gives us strength. He certainly does for Jeremiah when he concludes his lament saying: "Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. (Jer 20:13)"
When you experience such betrayal sing to the Lord. Through your lament you can find hope and relief, for through your lament you find the Word of God and the wonderful gospel.
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