Vindication

[Sandy Ohlman]

Reader Question: I have had a friendship break up because of gossip. I stepped away from the friendship after trying to lead my friend to quit talking about others. She has turned people against me. Should I vindicate myself and tell these people the truth or leave it alone and cover her sin? I had no idea taking this stand would have such painful reprecussions.

This is a common issue that every one of us will face at one point or another. You are not alone. The pain of a broken relationship is intense. In Proverbs 16:26 we learn that “gossip separates close friends”and that causes suffering. We were not created for separation – we were created for love. I believe much of the pain you are feeling is not that you are suffering from injustice, but that you are mourning the loss of one or more friends through this circumstance. During this time it’s critical to state your position before the enemy (Satan) tries to rob from you any further.

•Determine in your heart that you live for Christ; walk in love and mercy.

•Forgive and release those who have hurt you; bless them in prayer & kindness.

•Believe the best of others; believe that they are longing to serve God.

•Trust God for vindication and healing. God is at work!

•Forget yesterday - Engage in the good work that God is doing today.

Above all, take your stand in Christ. Determine in your heart that you are going to live a life of love and mercy, not of one blame and condemnation. Love is great. It covers a multitude of sins; that’s big enough to cover the sins of all those around you and yours at the same time. Remember that God gives pardon and forgiveness to those who pardon and forgive others.

As I look back at my own experience with gossip and judgment I am reminded of what Christ said when He was separated from those He loved. Misjudged and crucified by them, He looked at the people, believing the best of them and said “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:24