Response

"17 There I will make a horn grow for David;
I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one.

18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but the crown he wears will be glorious." Psalm 132:17-18 HCSB

Have you ever been in this situation--someone that you were close to--suddenly ends the relationship and then you hear that this person or persons may be spreading rumors about you. How do you feel? Betrayed? Caught off-guard? You can't wrap yourself around the reason why. How could this person or persons do this to me? I am so hurt! What is your first response? Deny the rumors? Confront that person or persons? Respond back in like manner? Get even? Revenge.

All of these responses are normal--but we aren't normal are we? We, as Christians, need to rise above what our carnal nature wants us to do. The Bible is full of carnal responses by Godly men, but there is also Godly examples of how to respond.

The one that comes to me of course involves Jesus. Jesus picks His 12 disciples. His closest friends. He knew each and every one of their flaws and strengths. Maybe He even chose them on purpose because of those strengths and flaws. But the one that sticks out to me is Judas. Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him. It was part of God's plan. At one point, Jesus even tells Judas that he was going to betray Him. Then in Matthew 26:50 NIV, "as the soldiers come to the garden to arrest Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings Rabbi!' and kissed Him. Jesus replied, 'Friend, do what you came for.'"

Brothers and sisters, what an example of how to respond! Of agape forgiveness. Coupled with the above verses, don't you see? When you feel unfairly treated, you don't need to worry. Your Father covers you. Your Father will make sure that your wrongs will be made right. That your enemies are the ones that will be covered in shame--not you. As long--you must remember this--as long as you stay above the norm, the carnal. He will make your crown shine bright.

So, what should you do? You need to prayerfully give your thoughts, initial reactions to your Heavenly Father. Pray for His gracious and agape spirit to cover and fill you.Spilling out into your world. Bringing honor to Him and His name as you are representing Him.