One of the difficulties of life, that we all experience, is being slandered, mocked, and hated. It’s one thing to be disagreed with, to be opposed by those who hold positions opposite our own. It’s another thing, though, to be falsely accused, misunderstood, or to have our motives assumed and misrepresented. That’s hard to handle. Some personalities actually seem to thrive on opposition and use it as a motivator. I’m just not one of those people.

The Bible assures us that followers of Jesus will be hated by the world, falsely accused, and slandered. First and foremost, vengeance belongs to the Lord, and our desires should match His: “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). It is not mine to avenge myself, or even to vindicate myself. I’m not saying that, given the chance, we can’t explain ourselves or offer a defense. But our ultimate vindication won’t be accomplished by us.

Jesus set us an example in Matthew 11:19 when He said that “wisdom is vindicated by her deeds,” in response to those who slandered Him. He trusted that He would ultimately be vindicated by His Father, when the time was right. There is no better example for us to follow. No matter what we do, there will always be someone who has something to say. That’s alright. The best thing that we can do is to obey the Lord, entrusting ourselves to Him. Let the chips fall where they may, and they will fall. Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.