I think Paul goes over this “don’t fight back” and don’t retaliate evil for evil (as Jesus said) because we can’t do this as effectively as God can. If we sling mud back, we get just as dirty as the liars. If we try to defend ourselves with words of what really happened, then it is assumed you have some guilt to defend. It is a no win situation most times. To be quiet and to continue to live the Truth is the best way to prove the falseness of the gossip. AND God takes care of the rest. He has ways to bring His Truth out into the open, into the Light of His love and grace. He will do it in His time, but He will do it.

Stay clean. Don’t fight back. AND look for the good, not the bad in your accusers. Bless the good in them. It will throw them off their game and you will be doing what God has asked us to do. We follow the way of Christ when He was on earth, too.

Peace comes to those who don’t fight back. Maturity grows when we look for the beauty in EVERYONE. It’s too much trouble to “get even” and can actually makes us physically ill. It hinders our life of fulfilling God’s purpose and will for us.

Yes, this is NOT for us. Instead, let God have His way in us. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” What a blessed relief to love and live knowing this promise. Wow. Just wow.

Sometimes a radical change in circumstance is only a prayer away. Think about it…Instead of “me time”, maybe it’s knee time.

Dear Heavenly Father, This is probably one of the most challenging things to navigate in this life. We are all, at times, a self-serving and self-seeking people. Help us, as believers in Your promises, to stay focused on You, falling to our knees to You with You living in us. Thank you for guidance and help in times of trouble. Thank you for convicting us of our real sin and forgiving us quickly and forever. Thank you for the peace this brings when we work hard to get along with everyone. In Jesus Name, Amen