God Fights Our Battles

Have you ever been falsely accused of something? It happens. The motive behind such an action may be done out of spite, envy, or the desire to make themselves look better. It hurts when your good name and reputation are unjustly attacked. Those false accusations may cause you to suffer severe consequences—job loss, damaged relationships, serious legal issue, or more.

Numerous ones in the Bible suffered from unjust accusations and endured many things because of them. Many of their stories are familiar to us.

• Joseph refused the sexual advances of Potiphar’s wife, so she falsely accused him of attempted rape. He not only lost his position, but he was also thrown in prison (Genesis 39).
• Because of jealousy, Korah and others accused Moses of exalting himself above the congregation. They challenged his leadership (Numbers 16).
• Because of his excellent spirit and abilities, Daniel advanced to the number one position under King Darius. Out of jealousy, other presidents and princes schemed against him. Daniel was thrown in the lion’s den (Daniel 6).

James 1:2 tells us to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” I think most would agree that it’s difficult to be joyful when our name is being dragged through the mud. It’s especially hard to understand when we suffer for doing the right thing.

As an innocent victim, and as a Christian, how do we respond when falsely accused? How do we handle a bad situation with grace and wisdom? Do we fight back or remain silent? Do we retaliate? We want to get even, but should we?

The Bible has much to say about the actions of both the accuser and the accused. Searching God’s Word will provide us with guidelines, but some things may be more difficult than others. However, we must trust God for the grace to carry on.

THINGS GOD ASKS US TO DO

We must bless instead of berate.

• “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (I Peter 3:9, ESV)

We must love instead of hate. 

• “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27, ESV)

We must pray instead of complain.

• “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:28, ESV)

THINGS GOD WILL DO IN OUR BEHALF

God will fight our battle for us.

• “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14, ESV)

God will avenge any injustices.

• “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:19, ESV)
• “Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.” (Deuteronomy 32:35, ESV)

God will vindicate us.

• “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17, ESV)
• “With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.” (Proverbs 11:9, ESV)

God will turn their evil for His good.

• “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20, ESV)

God will put them to shame.

• “Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” (I Peter 3:16, ESV)

To put this in everyday terminology, God’s got our back. Our trial may be long and severe, but God will see us through. However, even after the battle is past, it is important to guard our heart against resentment and bitterness. We also must be willing to forgive. It may not be easy, especially with a serious offense, but forgiveness will set you free and allow you to move into a better future.

Remember, while we cannot control the actions of others, we can control our response to those actions.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32, ESV)

I’ve given you a lot of scriptures today, but it’s important that we remember God’s Word always provides the answers we need to navigate the tough things in life. If you are struggling with a difficult situation today, use the above verses to pray the Word and gain victory. We will believe with you.