Got Punched Out Lately?

There were many times I was not on my husband's "most popular" list because I did not pull any punches, I told him like it was. If I thought he was being a jerk I told him he was a jerk. (Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6)

I like David’s attitude because there was a man who went around cursing David, but he told them not to forbid his cursing in case God wanted him to go through cursing (the rebuke) at that time. It’s just a different way of looking at persecution is when to accept fault finding and when not to.

David then said to Abishai and all his officials, "My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today." So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. 2 Samuel 16:11-13

We can always find a person weaker in life to bully, boss around, or take our problems out on. Reminds me of junior high. I had kids that gave me a hard time so I took out my problems on other kids of lower income. People are quick at times to find fault. So I’ve been asking the Lord, “Lord when someone criticizes me, do I just not say anything back and not defend myself?” Paul said we are like sheep sent to the slaughter.

As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." Romans 8:36 and Psalm 44:22
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 and Isaiah 53:7

God and I have been in this wrestling match lately as far I’ve been asking him when should I defend myself if ever.

Than one Saturday morning, I had a knock on my door early in the morning from IPD (Indianapolis Police Department). At first I thought my grandson James did something who spent the night. The last time I had knock on the door from IPD, my roommate was at fault because she did not realize her car license plate was expired parking on the street and someone reported it. Anyway, the IPD and Animal Control said they were there about my dogs.

Only problem is I don’t have any pets. That is the first thing he said, “We are here for your dogs, Mam.” The police officer was very surprised when I said, “I don’t have any dogs.” “I don’t have any pets.” It was like he did not believe me. Why should I accept the blame for a dog problem that is not my problem? The neighbor allowing her dogs in my yard, so someone in the neighborhood assumed they were my dogs.

The sin problem is not my problem either, Jesus dealt with the sin problem on the cross. We can always find “some” weakness in another person if we are looking for flaws when we fail to appropriate the love and blood of Jesus over their life and our own life. (Love covers a multitude of faults 1 Peter 4:8). It’s a man-centered gospel of what we do or others do rather than God working in us.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17

When Peter asked Jesus what John was going to be doing Jesus said, “Come follow me.” (Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." John 21:22)

Faults at times are more easy to see. Criticism may be constructive or destructive, but take it with a grain a salt as far as if it applies, take it and if it doesn’t apply to me, than I just say, “God bless them" and I pray for them that God. It says to "bless" those who persecute us.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44