I was accused of something that never happened.
My mind reeled in disbelief. Why would anyone believe that was even possible? Surely there was a misunderstanding.
But after a conversation, I realized the accuser wasn’t backing down. What to do?
After a good run through God’s creation, peppered with prayers and pops of indignation, I rested beside a tree, the water of the nearby flowing stream washing a calm over me. I pulled up my Bible app for an answer.
Romans 12:18 admonishes, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Even when falsely accused?
But something caught my attention: as far as it depends on you.
I could only choose my attitude, words, and actions. And that was all God asked. I didn’t need to worry about the accuser. The truth would be found out eventually. I didn’t need to get worked up about it. What was important now: how I responded. How I chose to respond.
My only job: live at peace with everyone- even the accuser.
Don’t hold a grudge.
Don’t give the silent treatment.
Don’t avoid or make feel awkward. (Honestly, killing with kindness came to mind, but that needed a heart-check too!)
It truly didn’t matter what the other party did. Or said. Or spread. God instructed me to only concern myself with… me.
I had to take my anger, my hurt, and my attitude and relinquish it all to God. I needed to pursue peace within my heart, my thoughts, and then it would find its way to my soul.
I wish I could say it was easy. There were daily reminders for quite a while. Yet, when my mental retort would flare up, I tried to obey the instructions in Psalm 34:14, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Honestly, it weighed on me for some time.
I had to keep praying about it, had to keep surrendering it, and had to force myself to focus on other things. Philippians 4:8-9 things.
Eventually, as I fully relinquished to God, I experienced the promised peace in Psalm 4:8. “In peace I will lie down and sleep for You alone Lord make me dwell in safety.”
Physical safety.
Emotional safety.
Spiritual safety.
He had held me in His hand all this time. When I realized this, I was at peace.
Pursuing peace isn’t just about trying to be at peace with my neighbor. It’s being at peace with God. It’s being obedient to God so that no matter what, He can bless me with peace. The peace of doing life His way, with Him. Not just on my own.
May you can relate? Maybe you know you’re right, you’ve been wronged. Yet, you are the one who is suffering. Are you looking for peace? Obey His word, and, as far as it’s up to you, pursue peace with others- even those who have wronged you. We don’t need to keep the battle waging. Peace isn’t for them- it’s for you, and me, and all who are obeying God. Let’s ask for His help to do just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know what robs me of a good nights’ sleep. Yet, it’s hard to want to pursue peace when I have been wronged. Help me honestly carry my broken heart to You, relinquish the hurt and refuse to harbor anger. Let me make this about obedience to You and not about winning or losing. Let me obey and experience peace with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.