"The lady doth protest too much, methinks"

Ever been misunderstood and/or misjudged?  You are smiling now because we all know the answer to that question! A woman spoke with me yesterday about her confusion. All she wanted to do was help out in a difficult situation but those she wanted to help thought she was trying to take over.  They shut her out.  Her sadness was doubled! She could not help and she was accused of having ulterior motives.  I have known other people who step into places of Christian service only to get caught in a crossfire of personalities and egos. When they try to be a peacemaker they get ‘shot’ from both sides. It is a sad thing to see God’s work lose a servant who grows disillusioned.

Christian, in those situations where we are misjudged, misquoted, misunderstood, or unappreciated we have two choices – get bitter or get better!  Bitterness comes quite naturally, a self-protective reflex. But, bitterness is a poison that is indiscriminate. We cannot pour a cup for another without having it splash into our own soul.

So, how can we get better instead?

“Remember Who you are ultimately serving!”  Jesus said “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40, NIV) Even simple acts of kindness done in His Name are serving Him. Even giving a cup of cold water to a thirsty man or visiting a lonely one is a gift to Him. Because He sees deep into our hearts, He knows exactlywhy we did what we did and never misunderstands or forgets. This sobering fact has often encouraged me to do good.

One night long ago the motives of my ministry were called into question. A man I had loved and trusted, leveled harsh charges against me he honestly believed to be true. He saw only a part of what was going on, his judgment was clouded by other associations. The wounds of his words went deep. I came very close to resigning from pastoral ministry at that time. That night I walked behind the church building, alone in the darkness, with tears streaming down my face. There was sorrow and a real temptation to anger. It was not an audible voice I heard that night, but it was the Spirit – clearly – who said, “What does the Lord know about this situation? Has He released you from your calling?”  He knew all about me! The Word says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13)  Holding onto that truth, I was able to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation. It was not simple, nor was it easy!  There is great freedom found in serving the One who never forgets.

We must not return fire, when others fire on us. Now, that’s a tough call, isn’t it? I admit it’s easier to write about it than to live it. Our Savior is our example. Peter tells us “If you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God. This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. … He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss. They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right.” (1 Peter 2:20-23, The Message) When we are misjudged in motives, often the best defense is silence. Shakespeare puts a famous line into Queen Gertrude’s mouth in Hamlet, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”  Her elaborate defense only served to confirm suspicion.

We actively seek the good of those who seek our harm.  We are not just passive in the face of those who oppose us. Going beyond mere non-response supernaturally we move to bless them, Jesus taught. His counsel is that we “Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:28, NLT)

All of this rests on the secure foundation of the Lord’s love for us and His keen insight.
When your soul is battered, your heart is broken, your mind cries out for vindication – go to Jesus –  in prayer, quiet, waiting; sometimes crying, prayer! He knows the Truth and even if all Hell accuses, He alone justifies. Oh, blessed thought.

Here’s a word from the Word. Make it your prayerful meditation today.

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, 

On those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death,
And to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the Lord;  He is our help and our shield.

For our heart shall rejoice in Him,

Because we have trusted in His holy name.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,  Just as we hope in You.”   Amen   (Psalm 33:18-23, NKJV

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Come Ye Sinners, Poor And Needy(Link here to Michael Card singing this song)

I will arise and go to Jesus

He will embrace me in His arms

In the arms of my dear Savior

O there are ten thousand charms

Come ye sinners poor and needy

Weak and wounded sick and sore

Jesus ready stands to save you

Full of pity love and power

Come ye thirsty come and welcome

God’s free bounty glorify

True belief and true repentance

Every grace that brings you nigh

Come ye weary heavy-laden

Lost and ruined by the fall

If you tarry ’til you’re better

You will never come at all

View Him prostrate in the garden

On the ground your Maker lies

On the bloody tree behold Him

Sinner will this not suffice

Lo the incarnate God ascended

Pleads the merit of His blood

Venture on Him venture wholly

Let no other trust intrude

Joseph Hart

© Words: Public Domain