All of us endure many trials over a lifetime, but I believe one of the toughest trials to endure is the ones that are produced by falsehood, lies and slanderous words being spread about us. It would be great if most people took the advice that Marvin Gaye freely gave in his monster hit, "Heard it Through the Grapevine." Marvin wonderfully sang, "People say believe half of what you see, Son, and none of what you hear." Most of us have lived long enough to realize that people tend to believe everything they hear, and read, and that most individuals enjoy gossip.
The juicier, the better.
Proverbs 25:23 states: "As surely as a wind from the north brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!" Proverbs 25:18 says; "Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an axe, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow."
As we see, and already know, gossiping and spreading lies cause anger, pain and hurt. So the question is, "What do we do when become the victim, and target, of this behavior?"
Below are a few thoughts and one guiding principle.
PRAY: First things first, pray and pray often. During a time of unfair treatment and disturbing untruths being told about you the most important thing we can do is pray. Pray for God's protection over your thoughts, words and actions. Psalms 46:10 states; "Be silent and know that I'm God!" Trust Him to protect, direct and lead you during a difficult time. Leave everything to Him. He is fully aware of what the truth is concerning you and your situation. Prayer will give you power.
PATIENCE: One of the greatest qualities we can cultivate in our lives is the ability to be patient in every circumstance. Webster defines patience as the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like. James 1:12 states; "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." Thank God for the difficult situation you are in and ask Him to aid you, and bless you, with a spirit of patience. Remember, it is out of difficulties we have the greatest chance to grow and mature.
PERSPECTIVE: I have a small bowl on my night stand next to my bed with "47" marbles in it. Each marble represents one month. At the beginning of each month I take one marble out. The marbles remind me that everything has a beginning, middle and an end. Those 47 marbles are a daily reminder that perspective is needed for this particular, and incredibly painful, time in my life. Through God's grace and unbelievable love He has given me the gift of perspective and I'm reminded of this with each marble I take out of the jar. There will be an end someday and until that day comes I'm blessed with a difficult situation that will create in me patience and perspective that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
PEACE: There are few things more important on this earth than our peace of mind. You can't buy it, but we can experience it with prayer, patience and perspective. The best way to create peace in our own lives is to display it in others lives. Practice being peaceful; you and everyone that comes in contact with you will immensely benefit from your decision to be a more peaceful person.
PERSEVERANCE & PERSISTENCE: During the storm persevere, persevere and persevere. Another way to put it is don't ever give up or give in to another person's poor behavior and evil practices. What another person falsely says about you doesn't have to have control over you. It's not gospel, it's just gossip... nothing more, nothing less. It is important "to know what you know... what you know" and to never stop believing that very truth. Be persistent in your daily desire to pray, to be patient and to persevere.
The best way to experience all six of these things is to remain silent. Don't defend yourself and don't argue your right to be right. Proverbs 12:16 states; "A fool is quick tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted." Be silent and refrain from defending yourself. Don't acknowledge lies or falsehoods.
At the end of the day none of this can be accomplished if you entertain PRIDE in your life. Pride goes before the fall; always has and always will. Eliminate your ego and your pride and confidently walk with your head high knowing that the truth is on your side. Be silent and know that the truth will eventually shed the proper light on your circumstance.
Remember, it takes a wise man to suffer ignorance and smile.
sbb 9.12.10
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