When I am misunderstood and wrongly accused I find it very difficult not to justify myself and retaliate, but I know in my heart that is not the right thing to do.
Comment
It is human nature to give excuse and justify our actions. This reaction began in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve hid from God after they had eaten the forbidden fruit and has been a character trait handed down throughout the generations. A patient and gentle reaction when wronged has never been a characteristic that is prized by sinners, but Jesus taught us a different way.
Silence in the Soul
“Human nature is ever struggling for expression, ready for contest; but he who learns of Christ is emptied of self, of pride, of love of supremacy, and there is silence in the soul. Self is yielded to the disposal of the Holy Spirit. Then we are not anxious to have the highest place. We have no ambition to crowd and elbow ourselves into notice; but we feel that our highest place is at the feet of our Saviour.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 15.
An Abiding Guest
“When we receive Christ as an abiding guest in the soul, the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The Saviour’s life on earth, though lived in the midst of conflict, was a life of peace. … No storm of human or satanic wrath could disturb the calm of that perfect communion with God. And He says to us, ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you’ (John 14:27).” Ibid.
What Destroys our Peace?
“It is the love of self that destroys our peace. While self is all alive, we stand ready continually to guard it from mortification and insult; but when we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God,
- we shall not take neglects or slights to heart.
- We shall be deaf to reproach and blind to scorn and insult.
‘Love suffereth long, and is kind …’ (I Corinthians 13:4–8).” Ibid., 16.
Happiness Drawn from Him
“Happiness drawn from earthly sources is as changeable as varying circumstances can make it; but the peace of Christ is a constant and abiding peace. It does not depend upon any circumstances in life, on the amount of worldly goods or the number of earthly friends. Christ is the fountain of living water, and happiness drawn from Him can never fail.” Ibid.
Torture of Retaliation
“Far better would it be for us to suffer under false accusation than to inflict upon ourselves the torture of retaliation upon our enemies.
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- The spirit of hatred and revenge originated with Satan, and can bring only evil to him who cherishes it. …
“Through humility and self-surrender we may become heirs with Him when ‘the meek shall inherit the earth’ (Psalm 37:11).” Ibid., 17.