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Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Lord, don't You see all my enemies? Part 2

I think that one of the hardest things to deal with is when people speak badly or falsely about you.
Our natural tendency is to defend ourselves! Set the story straight!
After all, it’s right in Proverbs:

Prov 18:17
17 Any story sounds true until someone sets
the record straight.
NLT

But if we are truly following after the example of Jesus, we need to do what He did.
He shows us in Mark 15:3-5:



3 Then the leading priests accused him of many crimes,
4 and Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to say
something? What about all these charges against you?"

5 But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate's surprise.
NLT



Did you ever really think about what kind of things they might have been saying? I wonder what crimes they accused Him of? All we know is that it was ‘many’ and that Jesus did not defend Himself.
That is hard!!
I have a hard time not defending myself when I am lied about!

One day I was thinking about a situation in which I felt I had been wronged. I knew that the right thing to do was to forgive and move on. I had a little discussion with God about it, I wanted to know HOW in the world could I forgive such horrible things done to me??? In my heart I heard a still small voice say, ‘how did Jesus forgive?’ This verse popped in my head:


Luke 23:33-34
34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing."
NIV


I don't think that any of us really understand what we are doing when we hurt others, especially Christians, we are all part of one body, Christ’s body.

If I speak wrongly of another Christian, I am speaking wrongly of myself.
Ouch! That one is almost a little too much for me, but think about it...
God wants us to forgive and put the situation in His hands.



Rom 12:19-21
19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but
leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will
repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed
him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you
will heap burning coals on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by
evil, but overcome evil with good.
NIV

This is such a powerful verse. By doing good, you can conquer evil!

Trust God, He will take care of your enemies.

Part 3 coming soon...

36 comments:

Scarlet said...

"By doing good you can conquer evil." It doesn't always feel that way and it doesn't seem to make sense, but God knows best. His wisdom makes more sense than our logic. When you do it God's way, even though you don't quite get it, you know He's with you and will see you through it. Eventually, the good guys win.

Chocolate and Coffee said...

This is a great post! Thanks for sharing.

Blessings to you today!

Roo said...

powerful and beautiful! and a huge link in helping God bring heaven on earth! :)

love you sue! wish you could come over for coffee this morning.

Praise and Coffee said...

OH Ruth, thank you, so do I!

concerned parent said...

Enjoying the posts and thanks for sharing.
Alisun

Melissa in Mel's World said...

Sue...

I have a little something waiting for you over in Mel's World...pop over when you get a chance and accept your AWARD!

Much Love Friend,
Melissa

Shaun and Holly said...

Love this post. Just what I needed for today!

Anonymous said...

Great blog (I love the title) and really great post~! Exactly what I needed to read today. I can be really defensive. I own a small business where customers can be very rude (let's just say I work with brides a lot, wink!) and sometimes I can't sleep at night if someone's hurt my feelings. What we have to remember is that we don't have to clear our names...that was done for us on the cross! And it doesn't matter so much what people think of us when we are unconditionally loved by the Lord!

:)
Rebekka

Annie said...

What a good lesson to learn.
I always relate unforgiveness to taking poison and expecting it to hurt the other person. It only hurts you, in so many ways.
Thank you for sharing this today.
blessings!
Annie

kdwhorses said...

Amen!! What a great post. We are going through a situation where untrue, hurtful things are being said. You could not have picked a better time to write this post. Thanks for always being such a encourager and shining light!!
God Bless!!

Sheri said...

Isn't I amazing how God gives you just what you need when you need it! I guess we shouldn't be surprised by this, but rather expect it of God. I have a difficult time with just this issue. I worry too much about what others are going to think of me. Your last two posts really remind me that it only truly matters what God thinks of me. I am His child and he loves me not matter what. He always knows the truth.

I can't wait until you publish your book -- I'll be in line to get one of the first copies!

Susan Skitt said...

Sue, thank you for your blog ministry. I truly see it as a ministry.

When you get a chance, I know you all ready rec'd the Mathetes Award, but I included you in my pics because I want others to know about your wonderful site. I have been so blessed by your words of encouragement from the Scriptures.

Praise and Coffee said...

Rebeka,
Working with brides seems like it would give you lots of opportunities to walk in love! So nice to meet you!

You all say that I am such an encouragement to you- but you guys are such a huge encouragement to me! Thank you for all the sweet words about this blog and my book, I am overwhelmed and so thankful to God for anything that blesses anyone on this blog!
(((hugs)))
Sue

Dust-bunny said...

Hello,

Annie sent me over here after reading something I wrote at my "hidden" blog...I have been dealing with family members lying about me for over two years now, and even though I know they make these things up to feel better about themselves, it still hurts, because they've accused me of something that's not true and never has been...and worse yet, others believed them.

I read a book by Joel Osteen that helped me tremendously back then, and since things are flaring up again, I purchased his new book in the hopes that I'll be helped once more (I know most people think he is "Christian Lite", but I was brought up Catholic, and needed someone like him to help me find hope and get out of depression, not beat me down and feel guilty for every little thing).

I know I'm a good person and that I try to do what's right most of the time. But I am human, and I do need reminders of how to act more like Jesus did once in a while...this post, with its scripture quotes, helped me out today. So thank you very much for that.

Cathy said...

That is an excellent post, Sue. Very wise and true.

Middle-Aged Moi said...

Yowsas. That one hit my right between the nose. Much to work on!

Middle-Aged Moi said...

I think I just said "right between the NOSE?" didn't I? Um......I meant "right between the eyes." Sorry. Not much sleep last night....:-)

Praise and Coffee said...

LOL Janet!! Glad to see I'm not the only one who does that kind of thing!

Jackie said...

thanks for speaking some great truths. beautiful words...love ya!

Sharon Brumfield said...

I think as He raises you into an authority position-for His name sake--you will begin to face the same abuse He faced.
I have told some good friends after my guts had been ripped out by someone--if they just knew my heart.
Jesus had the same goal in mind. That they would see His heart. He did not have to open His mouth because His actions and love would show them what they needed to ponder----once He was gone.

sharon brobst said...

Sue...I'm in the midst of dealing with "an enemy". These have been good for me...thank you.

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

just love your heart for the Word of God! no idle words, just words that are your very life---Deut 32:47

Thoughts of a Mom said...

I was in this situation just recent and it hurt me so bad, I felt shame from it and it was made bigger then it was. It wasn't true the way they told it. It does hurt and forgiving was really hard for me to do. I pray I am doing that with God's help.

holy chaos said...

so true. my son is dealing with people who are mistreating him at school. it seems like an impossible situation. I keep asking God to help Jonathan learn what he wants him to. it is so hard!!! our public high school has little control over very misbehaving students.

i keep showing him the Psalms and praying for him constantly!

Praise and Coffee said...

holy chaos,
That brings up a whole different situation doesn't it?
I can deal with people being mean to me, but mess with my kids! It's not so good.

We still need to remember to bring this to the Lord and deal with it the way He wants.
Pray, pray, pray!

Anonymous said...

I had to think about Habakkuk while reading this post (and the one just before it)! This book starts with Habakkuk basically asking God why he has to continue to call out for help. He is basically thinking that God does not see what's going on! Then, God's reply is that He is sending the Babylonians - of all people!

When I am in a situation in my life that seems to be ignored by God - I just have to remember that I am just called to be obedient - not worrying about the "how" of something....

Great post, Sue. Looking forward to your book! I am writing a book on marriage....whew!

Susan said...

Dear Sue,

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.

I came to yours and didn't really take the time to really "check it out", I just did! WOW!

I love your topic and what you have shared. I've learned so much about doing good and conquering evil... (Hopefully we all do!)

My husband and I were in the ministry full time for 12 years. We are now in a new season of our lives...(long story).

Things are wonderful. We fight different battles now. I will keep you in prayer. I've walked where you are walking and have a special love and burden for Pastor's wives.

Blessings to you and your family,

Susan

Living Beyond said...

Another wonderful post, thank you. I agree it is only with the Spirit's help that we canforgive and move on. I remember a situation with a lady and I could not (chose not) to forgive her. It was quite sometime until I came to the place of forgiveness and when I did I could not believe how bound I had been. Truly forgiving her gave me real freedom.

When I read your comment "If I speak wrongly of another Christian, I am speaking wrongly of myself". I thought to myself "When I speak wrongly of another Christian I am speaking wrongly of Jesus" UGH that hit me like a 2x4

Thanks again lady - be blessed

Zaankali said...

I just love that you follow everything up with scripture. I think that is why it speaks to so many hearts because it is coming form the truth of God.
Thank you!

Heather C said...

We had a discussion in Bible Study the other night about grace... and how we seem to prefer "justice." God is a god of justice - no doubt... but He will exact justice in His own way, and in His own time. It is not up to us to exact it ourselves. How much easier it is to demand justice than it is to extend grace... and yet that's exactly what He calls us to do. Tough stuff. Thanks for the lesson and encouragement... they know not what they do.

A Captured Reflection said...

I read this post on a day when it came to light that someone was holding unforgiveness against my hubby and I. What was amazing is that the following verses you posted were very much placed on my heart this year, and I have felt to keep blessing this person, just be ourselves, do what we would do for anyone, expect nothing in return. It really is a liberating place. The fact that she has managed to voice what the problem is - not yet to us, but it will come, I believe is a God and a good thing - freedom is ahead!

So thank you for your timely post.

Rom 12:19-21
19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but
leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will
repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed
him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you
will heap burning coals on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by
evil, but overcome evil with good.
NIV

Melissa in Mel's World said...

Sue,

I have bopped on here a couple of times over the last day or two, but never slowed down enough (there's a future post) to really read and let your words sink in.

What a shame...there are some sweet nuggets of goodness written in these two posts.

I have recently had to take the "high road" in a mean and hurtful season in my life (not by family, thank God), and although my flesh wants to retaliate and scream out the injustice, my heart and my head says that I must remain under (Him) and forgive (7 times 70 times) those who are being ugly.

It is so not easy, and it is a daily battle, but I know that by doing so HE will bless my obedience to Him, and in the end...that's ALL that matters to me.

Great post my friend...
Melissa

Praise and Coffee said...

Kelly,
A book on marriage, how awesome!
I can't wait.

Susan,
Boy do I ever understand "new seasons!" :)
Excited to see what God has for you next.

Praise and Coffee said...

Living beyond,
Don't you love the freedom that God gives!
Sorry about the 2X4, it couldn't have hit too hard...it was bouncing off MY head! :)


Jennifer,
yup, no sense in just listening to my words, His are the ones with the power!

Heather C
That is so true! I would far prefer justice when it comes to others, but when it's me...oh please Lord GRACE!


Karen,
It sure beats staying awake at night thinking about things doesn't it! God is so good.

Mel,
I wrote theis chapter of the book at a tough time in my life. ;)

Love you bunches!
Sue

Giulianna @ Family Blueprint said...

Hi Sue:

I just came over to visit your site and congrat you on the Mathetes award from Susan. You have a great ministry here and I pray the Lord continues to use you for His glory.

This is a great post by the way. We have to choose our battles wisely. Sometimes we need to speak up, the truth, in love. Other times, we need to bite our tongues and let the Lord set the record straight. May we pray for His wisdom and discernment. May we live for His glory!

Blessings to you, Julianne

Rose of Sharon said...

That is such a great post. It is very hard to just keep hanging on to the hurt instead of giving it to God. We all need to work on not judging each other or saying hurtful things.

God bless you! Sharon

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