The Godly Response of the Accused

One of the deepest and ugliest inclinations of the human nature is manifest when we are accused either wrongly or rightly. The way we handle such situations says much about our heart, faith, and spiritual maturity.

The life of David reveals beautifully what the godly response to accusation should be. When David was down, chased from his throne by his own disobedient son, his enemies seized the opportunity to further exasperate the reeling king. Shimei, the descendant of Saul and great antagonist of David, opposed David with cursing, accusation, and stone-throwing meant to bring harm. Abishai, David’s servant, sought permission from David to confront and take out Shimei. Not only did David refuse Abishai’s request, he noted the possibility of Shimei being an instrument of Yahweh and in so doing modeled the key characteristics of the godly when accused (2 Samuel 16:5-14).

First, we must retreat from those who only stroke our ego and try to insulate us from the criticism of others. It is comforting to have those like Abishai who have our backs and try to keep us from the accusation of others, but too often, they hinder us from spiritual growth. Second, we must listen to the Lord’s voice, even in our accusers. Perhaps, David thought God was teaching him something. Finally, we must entrust ourselves to the defense of the Lord, allow Him to be our vindication, and rest in the assurance that He is at work in our lives, making us to be like Him!