Misunderstood, Judged and Falsely Accused
Have you ever been misunderstood or judged by others, because they went by hearsay? Perhaps, you’ve experienced this in reverse. You had a preconceived notion about someone whom you haven’t actually met, based on someone else’s mischaracterization of that person. You judged their character, and expected a negative interaction with him once you finally met. However, what you discovered was that person was the complete opposite of what you expected.
There at least a couple lessons to be learned. One is to give people the benefit of the doubt, and take what others say about them with a grain of salt. That cuts both ways. Meaning, you may find yourself disappointed, because some don’t live up to the proverbial hype. Staying neutral allows others to be human.
When it comes to character assassinations, there are those who rarely have anything good thing to say about others. Without drilling down on this particular topic, suffice to say they have personal issues through which to work.
As the phrase goes, to know someone is to love him. It’s amazing how people change for the better, once you get to know them. Even more so, when you make a decision to unconditionally love people.
The One Who experiences being misunderstood, judged and falsely accused the most is God. People level their bombastic comments towards Him every day. They dishonor, and try undermine Him. We expect it from unbelievers; but there are a number of Christians who do the same. Apparently, God does not live up to their expectations. He does not perform well enough to their liking. Never mind that He is God and they are not.
Again, it does come down to not knowing God, to include experiencing Him as the amazing Father He is. He wants to be known, and He wants relationship with all humanity. The Crucifixion is evidence.
Romans 10:8 But God commendeth (demonstrated) His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Removing Hearsay
One of the ways God reveals Himself to us, and speaks to our heart is through the Bible. If you do not spend time in His inspired written Word, chances are you are living by hearsay. At least in some areas pertaining to the things of God. If your idea of getting into the Word is listening to others expound on the Bible, you are greatly missing out. By the way, how are you going to measure what’s being said if you don’t actually know what the Word says? There is no substitute for reading it with Holy Spirit’s guidance. He is The Teacher, and it’s important to learn from Him.
John 14:25 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
This is not to say we don’t need teachers. We do. That’s one of the gifts Jesus gave to the Church (see Ephesians 4:11). Nonetheless, it is important to allow Holy Spirit to minister the Word directly to us.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
