iShineInMinistry

Romans 12:19 (NKJV)

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Imagine if you would that someone that you volunteer with is speaking ill things about your character and you as a person overall. They are passive-aggressively commenting or downright telling people things about you when you are not around... You may not even have to imagine this. We have all been on the receiving end of gossip, slander or someone recounting a truth about us that we may not want others to know about. These are very uncomfortable times in ministry, yet we must remember two very important things when this happens.

The Lord is your defense! Do not launch a PR campaign in an effort to tell everyone and anyone you come into contact with about what is going on and how you are innocent. You are not an elementary child on the playground trying to get friends to be on "your side". You are a woman of God and your character should speak for itself.

We should live in such a way that no one would even dare believe we are capable of what people may accuse us of. However, if what they are saying does hold some truth and we are trying to keep us appearances...the problem may actually be us! Although they are in the wrong, do not go to that place with them. Ask God to search your heart and take that trait out so that no one would able to talk badly about our character.

Secondly, if you are the object of slander, gossip or some other random drama, do not play the victim! You are a big girl that trusts the Lord in every circumstance, not a manipulator that needs people to sympathize with your situation. Bad things happen to people all the time...even you. Our eyes should be on the Lord, not the potential adoring fans that we can gain from being pitied. In addition, your character actually is questionable if you go the route of playing the victim.

Ultimately, the truth usually comes out somehow. However, if it does not, the Lord knows the truth and He is the only one that really matters anyway. Serve diligently and trust Him even as these trying relational storms occur. He will make us women after His own heart that fully and completely show His love, grace and mercy in all areas of life (not just the easy ones)!

Psalm 7:10 (NKJV)

My defense is of God,


Who saves the upright in heart.