When evil is spoken of you

Learning to live beyond the pain.

I had a dear friend share with me today how brokenhearted she is over someone's lies and divisive schemes. She is struggling with how to practically walk this out as a Christian...

Here is my simple response. I would love to hear yours.

Proverbs 6:16-19, "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

Well if God says he HATES these things foolish is the person that believes they are above God's law and awareness. He' not kidding around with this kind of stuff.

Let me just encourage you with this. I have lived under the lies of a foolish but persuasive person for years...public words of profound character assassination....deception...misrepresentation....a person deviseth wicked imaginations...a false witness that speaketh lies...someone that was actually trying to destroy me as a person. Crazy as it sounds they talk God talk...profess to be a Christ follower...and generally use spiritual words to manipulate and control others.

One day God said to me..."Your weakest position is defending yourself. What you birth in the flesh you will need to keep alive in the flesh...what you allow me to birth in the Spirit I will keep alive in the Spirit. Trust me with your reputation."

I needed to stop being a man pleaser and start fearing the truth of what God has said.

Not an easy undertaking and very difficult at best. But God has proven this to be true and oh the freedom it produces. A person's true intentions will always be revealed. Time will be the test. The reality of one's heart will always come forth...that is why God has told us He will not be mocked.

For someone to attempt to deceive others they themselves must be deceived.

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him." Proverbs

Comments

[Heather Boersma]

This is a good word! What powerful truth God spoke to you that day..."your weakest position is defending yourself". That is the power of the double-edged sword Word of God. Amen!

[Mimi Foster]

Excellent! And so hard to not react in the flesh . . .

[Pam Boyd]

I was just dealing with this tonight and discussing it with my husband! He said the same thing about trusting God with my reputation. Love how God confirms His heart with us. It really all comes down to "trust the Lord with your reputation". If we could just lay our hearts on the altar and simply...trust. Great blog, my sweet friend!

[Debbie Christian]

What a relief! I'm laying down all my weapons of warfare. Your post reminded me of how tiring it is to fight your own battles. Thank you, Tammy, for this.

[Suzanne Smith]

Thank you for this timely word~

[Amy Vogt]

This is good, Tammy. Mmmmm... Yes. Sharing with the hubby.

[Tammy]

I loved reading all your encouraging posts...means so much to me...t

[Emily Furda]

I can't remember the verse, but somewhere in Psalms David talks about this saying how he could've handled the lies spoken by an enemy, but by his close friend a "brother" with whom he shared intimate details with, it was devastating.
I can relate to this article sooooo much. It's so hard to not defend yourself. I wanted to clear my name. Even harder than having a close person spread lies, was when close friends believed them. I love this article. What I'm discovering is that as the truth comes out, years later, because I didn't fire back & try to defend myself, my reputaion & people's view of my integrity is higher than before. That also means they see God being glorified even more. It's a vindication & restoration that only could come from God.

[Melissa Brown]

Thank you once again for sharing your sweet spirit and wisdom with all of us. Bottom line ~ please the Master first and all else will fall in place. Much luv - Melissa B.

[Alana Hall]

This is such a wonderful article. A friend and mentor of mine and my husband says, "I never defend myself." The first time I heard it, the concept was completely foreign to me, but the more I learn about God's word and ways, I am convinced He fights our battles. Our job is to simply love and walk in love.

[Sherry]

Thank you so much for sharing this timely word Tammy! I have been trying to walk this out over the last six months because of a very hurtful situation that took place, in which God specifically told us not to defend ourselves. I must tell you truthfully, that was very hard for me because I knew there were lies being spread about my family. I had to keep reminding myself that truth stands the test of time, and sooner or later it will all come to light. Thanks again for sharing! It was a great encouragement to me. We will continue to trust Him with our reputation. :)

[Stacey L. Lacik]

Emily, the scripture you reference is Psalm 55. I am also dealing with this; it is so much more painful when it's someone you love and trusted. Thank you for posting this Tammy; it reminded me to let go of my need to 'fix this' and let God work it out. You're right; people's intentions- their true heart- is revealed over time. It just hurts so much to be betrayed and rejected by the one person you thought would never in a million years do something like this.