Unfair Criticism

SCRIPTURE

 

1 Peter 3:13-17

13        Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?

14        But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,

15        but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

16        and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

17        For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.

(NASB)

 

PRAYER

 

Lord, there are times when ______ suffers the harshness and accusation of a critical crowd. Sometimes hidden in the refuse of their words are small nuggets of truth, but mostly they are the judgments of small people who prefer the delicacies of slander to truth. Assumptions prevail over honest inquiry. They squint from a distance, choosing the facts they prefer, but never seeking a clear view of the whole. They purport to know the intentions of ______’s heart, but their ears are clogged with their preconceptions. And worst of all, they sometimes cloak their judgments with religiosity. Lord, thank you for ______’s openness to your promptings, for his quickness of confess, repent and obey. And in that, I ask that you would help him to feel the cleanness of a good conscience before you. I pray that you would remove from him any fear of their intimidation. Calm his heart so that he may rest in your smile upon him. And Lord, as he continues to walk closely to you, I pray that you would reveal the shame of his accusers. Amen.

 

 

ENCOURAGEMENT

 

Your Lord knows you. He sees right down to your very soul, and understands your heart. Don’t allow these small people to steal your peace or direct your paths. Walk with our Lord, and follow your deep heart.