In his article “The Price of Public Shaming in the Internet Age,” Todd Leopold asks, “Do you believe in forgiveness? Do you believe in second chances? Of course you do. Everybody makes mistakes. To err is human, to forgive divine. Right? Not in the age of social media.”
I read about a barista whose name and actions went viral after she was rude to a customer. Her behavior was inappropriate and she deserved to be reprimanded by her boss. But did her actions warrant written attacks from people from around the globe?
Long before the Internet, an author penned the words of Psalm 119—wisdom that includes how the scribe had been scorned and slandered by others (Psalm 119:69). If your reputation has been damaged either by poor decisions or wrongful attacks, take heart—God desires for you to experience health in your relationship with Him and vital community with others.
Consider how the writer of Psalm 119 responded to challenges and attacks as found in the following words:
• He acknowledged his need for God to teach him good judgment (Psalm 119:66).
• He confessed there were times he had wandered from God (Psalm 119:67).
• Despite his past, he was now committed to follow God’s Word (Psalm 119:67).
• While facing discipline, he testified of God’s goodness and the value of His wisdom (Psalm 119:68).
• Though the arrogant “smeared” him with lies, and though callous and unfeeling hearts surrounded him, he chose to cling to and to find delight in God’s instructions (Psalm 119:69-72).
Like the psalmist, by God’s grace we can experience solace, restoration, and delight through God and His loving heart.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 14:1-20
More:
Read Isaiah 54:17 and consider how God can help us to rise above wrongful attacks from others.
Next:
What has been your typical response to scorn and slander? How can God’s wisdom and presence provide comfort in the midst of attacks from others?
Gary Shultz on March 11, 2016 at 6:25 am
Roxanne, I would like to think I am immune to such things; however, those insidious words sting. I often find I am reviewing the words and the burn wants to live deep. It often takes some real time with my Heavenly Father where He wipes away some of the bitterness of the bite. Like the the psalmist God lifts up my head and moves me along with His hope and I am strengthened, moving away from the situation more convinced of God’s care than before. The bite brings strength and blessing. Is God not great? Thanks Roxanne
gagirllive on March 11, 2016 at 7:16 am
How do I handle situations like this? I consider Jesus. With a submissive heart to the Father, He innocently suffered public scorn and humiliation for my sake, leaving me an example to follow. Do I always handle things this way? No, but by his grace, I am learning. I try to view situations like these as opportunities to identify with His suffering. Knowing that He is my vindicator and that He is using it to conform me into His image helps take some of the sting out, and it teaches me to lay down my “rights”. A work in progress, but I press on! Thanks for this good word today, Roxanne.
elegantstarr1 on March 11, 2016 at 11:26 am
Thanks Roxanne for this wonderful word on today. I will keep Isiah 54:17 in my remberance. Blessings to the ODB forum!
elegantstarr1 on March 11, 2016 at 11:51 am
Blessings to the ODJ forum.