wrongly accused

Many years ago when I was much younger, I was self-employed. Happily I worked out of my home, which provided me with the freedom I needed to take care of my child. I obtained this job through a very close friend, whose husband owned the business. Some months down the road, my friend's husband wrongly accused me of doing something unethical. This was not my nature, and I was extremely hurt. I lost my job and my friendship. It took me a while to recover from this hurtful situation. Being erroneously accused is quite humiliating and degrading. Fortunately the allegation towards me was not damaging to my life, only my ego. And although over the years, I have endured through other fallacious accusations, I have learned many things.

Unfortunately, there are people everyday that deal with others blaming them for something they did not do. For many this has caused damage in their life. They've been disgraced, had relationships destroyed, and even had their lifestyle altered. I know that when involved in such a situation, it just doesn't seem fair. Our first thought is, generally, anger towards the individual that inflicted this harm. Or the 'get even' attitude even creeps in.

If you ever dealt with such an attack, you're probably wondering how to get through it and still maintain your Christian ethics while becoming triumphant. We can take our lessons from Biblical examples. This will help us gain understanding on how to be the victor in such circumstances. One such illustration is found in Genesis 29, in the life of Joseph, who, after being sold into slavery, by his brothers, ended up serving in the household of one of Pharaohs officials. The official's wife wrongly accused Joseph of attacking her, which landed him in prison for many years.  Joseph could have been very angry that his brothers betrayed him or furious that the wife of his boss erroneously blamed him for something he didn't do. And because of his forgiving nature and trust in God, he continued to have favor with those around him. This eventually led him to become in charge over all the land of Egypt. Thus...Victory

Another mentioned incident was the prophet Jeremiah. The King of Judah, Zedekiah nor his attendants or the people of the land, would listen to the Word of the Lord through the prophet. They thought Jeremiah was defecting, therefore arresting and imprisoning him. After much conflict, Jeremiah was eventually saved by the Lord and released. (Jer. 37-40) One thing to learn from Jeremiah - never stop trusting in the Lord and continue to keep doing and saying what He instructs.

Our Savior and Lord, Jesus was scourged, lost many friends and His life. Yet even in the midst of his indictment He asked the Father to 'forgive' them, because they didn't know what they were doing. Such grace and mercy! If we could profit anything from His example, it would be to demonstrate grace and mercy to those responsible for our pain.

You or a loved one, might be experiencing hurtful incriminations right now. You might say, what can we do about it? How can we get through the pain of the betrayal and the consequence? Children of God, there is only one way and that's through the power of God's Word and His Spirit. 1) Rom. 12:19 says, "Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord." Give your hurt over the the Lord!  He will take care of it. 1 Pet. 3:9 says, "Don’t pay back evil for evil or insult for insult. Instead, give blessing in return. You were called to do this so that you might inherit a blessing." You'll be blessed by the Lord, because you bless your accusers!  2) Mark 11:25-26 says, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone forgive him, that you Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." We must forgive those who come against us. You might have to begin forgiving by faith. Each day the thoughts of those that came against you will rise up, but you have to forgive them, just like Jesus did. Remember, they didn't know what they were doing. They were just a tool of the devil's ploys. Forgive, so that you will be forgiven.

And to close, we must remember these words of Jesus in Luke 6:27-29, "But I tell everyone who is listening: Love your enemies. Be kind to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who insult you. If someone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other cheek as well. If someone takes your coat, don’t stop him from taking your shirt."

Remember this, that whatever you've just been through, God is able to heal your broken heart and spirit, He will restore what has been stolen and He will make what's been wrongly done - right! 

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