What Do You Do When You Are Falsely Accused?

I was once responsible for planning an outreach event. I was in contact with various church members who committed to providing some of the items needed for the event. When the leadership asked about our status, I assured them we had everything we needed. However, when one church member didn't follow through with her verbal commitment, I had to redouble my efforts and ask around for contributions again.

Later, I was approached by one of the main leaders who challenged me in an accusatory tone, saying, “I thought you said you already had what you needed.” To top it off, this church leader directed the accusation toward me in front of other church members, making me look like a liar.

A quick choice confronted me. Do I defend myself and tell them it wasn't me who had been dishonest, but rather someone else? Do I name names? I could have easily said this particular woman had assured me she was contributing the needed supplies, but then fell through on her commitment. I could have easily pinned the blame on her.

But there was a catch. The person in question happened to be highly regarded by the leadership. She had been around much longer than me and had a lot more influence.

In that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to keep my mouth shut. It wasn’t easy. I knew my silence was damaging my reputation. I could feel the accusing eyes of everyone in the room. But the Lord quickly reminded me of 1 Peter 4:8: “Love covers a multitude of sins.” The Lord was asking me to save one person’s reputation at the expense of my own.

Now, I'm not saying there aren't times when we should speak up and defend ourselves. Of course, there are. But there have been numerous times when God has asked me to keep my mouth closed in the face of my accusers. Why? Because God has a way of turning these situations around better than I can.

Jesus kept his mouth shut when He stood before various accusers after His arrest. During a series of indictments, Jesus either stayed silent or offered only brief answers. He did not feel the need to babble on and on in an effort to explain Himself. I think He was setting an example for us all.

“Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”  But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.” (Mark 14:60-61)

Jesus knew that time and future events would defend Him. In the gospel of Luke, He said, “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” (Luke 8:17)

Through the comparatively minor accusations I have faced, I have learned that I have a Father in heaven who defends and protects me. I may not understand all the reasons, but when God tells me to keep my mouth closed, I need to listen.

I've faced much more difficult false accusations since the one mentioned above. Back then, God was teaching me a lesson and helping me to grow in love. In the end, the woman who made me look bad became someone for whom I had great compassion. She had been through some very difficult times herself and had faced a lot of hurtful situations in life. 

I don't always forgive quickly and I don't always walk in all the love that I should. But in this case, the Lord allowed me to grow in His grace and in His love for another human being. And that is always worth any struggle we face.