Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12 NIV
We all go through times when we speak truth from God’s word and it makes us the subject of attack. If you are going through a season of attack, taking verbal abuse from others because of your faith in Christ, be encouraged; God sees what you are going through and He will greatly reward you. Just be sure all your words are spoken in love, never in arrogance.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger. Psalm 55:2b-3 NIV
As you navigate the attack be sure to keep the proper perspective. Realize that the attack comes from Satan, not the person he is using to discourage you. They are merely a puppet in his hands, though they can’t see it. God loves them and wants to help them see clearly. Pray for them often! As you continue to show them love, the Holy Spirit can touch their hearts and help them see the truth.
If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers. Psalm 55:12-14 NIV
My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. Psalm 55:20-21 NIV
Sometimes Satan even uses Christians, whose motives may be right, but whose perspectives have been skewed. Pray for them, keep speaking the truth and keep your own emotions in check by staying focused on God and spending extra time in His word and in worship.
I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” Psalm 55:6-8 NIV
When you are overwhelmed and weary, remember that God is your shelter in the storm, He is your hiding place. Spend time in His presence and let Him refresh your spirit and your energy.
As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. Psalm 55:16-19 NIV
God will rescue you unharmed from the battle waged against you! Be encouraged!