BEING VINDICATED
“A man’s self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it.” Proverbs 18:20-21
We reap what we sow, there are natural consequences to our words. W e can speak words that bring life, or words that bring death. We need to learn to be careful with our words (Matthew 12:36-37). Words we speak on God’s behalf carry life.
When Jesus spoke, although His words were full of the Spirit of Life, yet not everyone accepted them and Jesus fully realized this. (John 6:63-64; John 8:47)
Often the words which God speaks are not comfortable and yet necessary (Proverbs 20:22-24). Words can be used either by God or by the enemy. Our enemy is not called the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10) for nothing! We typically do a good job of accusing and condemning ourselves without needing much help, particularly if we have a tender heart towards God and fear Him. In order to overcome the accuser we must ask God to judge us Himself. Our hearts are deceitful and only God knows us through and through if we are guilty, we must acknowledge it.
It doesn’t matter what we ourselves or any one else thinks or says about us. What matters if what God thinks about us. We ask Him what He sees as He alone is our vindication. We can then hide ourselves In Him. He becomes our refuge and defense and we have no need to say or do anything more. (I Corinthians 4:3-4)
God’s vindication is not proving you. This brings a form of peace, security and triumph over opposition be right to others, but rather proving to you that you are right and vindicated in His eyes. Which no person could ever give. (Isaiah 54:17)
If He holds you blameless, then what does it matter what any person says or does, or thinks? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect when it is God who justifies? We need to learn to go to Him and to ask Him to show us if we have said the right thing instead of just going to others for their opinion. God’s opinion is all that counts. If He gives you Peace about what you’ve said you can be strong and stand on that. No man or woman can give that peace, justification, and vindication to you. He is to be your refuge and strength. (Psalm 17:2-3)
When God has shown you where you stand with Him, you can stand strong and sure wearing the breastplate of integrity, and right standing with God and stand against the accuser with the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6)