Daily Devotional
Handling untrue criticism


BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” 1 Peter 3:16

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

When the Bible tells us, “Commit your way” to the Lord, what does that mean—my “way”? It means your well-traveled path, your lifestyle, your way of living, your reputation, the way you do things, what people think about you, how people perceive you. Just give that to the Lord.

We’re worried about what people think about us. Just let someone say something bad about some folks—criticize their lifestyle, the way they do things—and they get all upset about it. And none of us likes to be criticized.

Have you ever been criticized? Maybe blamed for something you didn’t do? Or been unjustly slandered? You are not alone. Jesus was the whipping boy of His day. He endured relentless criticism and slander. Was He worried? No.

ACTION POINT:

You too must not worry when others speak falsely. Just give that to the Lord. Author/Pastor Peter Lord told me one day, “When anybody says anything bad about me, I just say, ‘Thank God they don’t know any more.’” Jesus would tell us, “When they criticize you, just roll that over onto Me. I understand and I am in charge. You just trust in Me.”


FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY

Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster

WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS

I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.

Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”