Psalm 44:5–6: Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me.
Experiencing Jesus in the Psalms
It is a terrible thing to try to blacken the name of a man or woman who stands for the things of God. You should be careful before you criticize your pastor. Make sure your facts are true. To some people a pastor represents God’s cause on earth. They will judge God largely by what he says. If you discredit him, you discredit God in their eyes. I think this is why many young people have turned away from the Bible and the church. Many of them have grown up in Christian homes, and their parents have served “roast preacher” each Sunday. It is wrong to discredit a man who is giving out the Word of God. 1
Living the Transformed Life
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19
- Because my words matter, I will use my words to privately pray for another.
- Because my words matter, I will use my words to personally encourage another.
- Because my words matter, I will use my words to publicly speak well of another.
Your words travel, and you are accountable for their final destination.
Praise and Prayer
Thank You, Father, for never using Your power and position to criticize anyone. (You do admonish and rebuke, but that is not criticism.) Dear Jesus, please teach me how to pour out my life upon You.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Psalms 42-89) (electronic ed., Vol. 18, pp. 22–23). Nashville.
