How can we respond when "malicious witnesses rise up" against us today? Opening Text “Malicious witnesses rise up; they question me about things I know nothing about.” (Psalm 35:11) Setting the Scene David, anointed yet hunted, records the sting of false testimony. The Spirit preserves this verse so we can navigate the same hurt today with the Lord’s clarity. Remember: False Accusations Are Not Surprising • Jesus warned, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” (Matthew 5:11) • Paul testified, “At my first defense, no one stood with me… but the Lord stood by me.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17) Attack is normal for those who hold to truth; panic is not. Anchor in God’s Unchanging Character • He sees: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous.” (Psalm 34:15) • He judges: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” (Isaiah 54:17) • He defends: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) Practical Responses When Malicious Witnesses Rise Up • Examine your own heart – “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 139:23) – Confess real sin so the enemy gains no foothold. • Speak truth with grace – “A truthful witness saves lives.” (Proverbs 14:25) – Avoid retaliation; answer only what is necessary and honest. • Commit the matter to prayer – David models, “Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me.” (Psalm 35:1) – Turn evidence and emotions over to Him before responding publicly. • Maintain Christ-like conduct – “When they hurled insults at Him, He did not retaliate; instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) – Continued kindness keeps conscience clear and testimony bright. • Rely on the Body of Christ – “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26) – Allow trusted believers to support, verify facts, and intercede. • Leave vindication to God – “Do not avenge yourselves… ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) – Rest in His timing; forced self-defense can obscure His glory. • Keep serving boldly – Paul kept preaching though slandered (Acts 20:23-24). – Faithful service silences critics over time (1 Peter 2:15). Guard Your Tongue • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29) • Refuse gossip even about those who wrong you; trust God to expose lies. Strengthen Your Mind with Scripture • Memorize promises like Psalm 31:20, Proverbs 19:5, and Psalm 27:1-3. • The Word steadies emotions and fuels a God-honoring response. Look Ahead to Ultimate Justice • “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts.” (1 Corinthians 4:5) Final vindication is sure; living for that day frees us from today’s bitterness. Summary Malicious witnesses may rise, but God remains higher. By examining ourselves, leaning on His character, responding with truth and grace, and entrusting justice to Him, we echo David’s confidence and Christ’s example. Such faithfulness turns false testimony into fresh testimony—to the Lord’s enduring faithfulness. |
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