I was at my new high school in Manila, Philippines, trying to make new friends. I was shy and avoided attracting attention to myself. For some reason, that year was full of embarrassing events. Many came from false accusations made by teachers I held in high regard.
The first incident happened in computer class. We were about to leave the computer room when my teacher noticed the ESC key on the computer I was using was missing. She became enraged and started yelling. She insisted I stole it. She made everyone stay until I gave the missing key back, but I didn’t have it. I was embarrassed and didn’t know what to do. I was humiliated. I couldn't do anything except cry.
A few weeks later, a teacher assumed I was chatting behind her back and threw a blackboard eraser at me. I was stunned and in denial at first. Did she just throw that at me? She must’ve done it by mistake, I thought to myself. Then she started ranting about how disrespectful I was.
I’m 42 years old and can laugh about it, but it really wasn’t funny back then. It hurt. It made me sad. I considered switching schools. These incidents made me think that no one would want to befriend me because I had been accused of stealing and being disrespectful.
Paul experienced false accusations throughout his ministry. He addressed some of them in 2 Corinthians 10. He was accused of being timid in person and bold when he wrote from afar (2 Corinthians 10:1 NLT), acting from human motives (2 Corinthians 10:2), and writing demanding and forceful letters, but in person being weak and giving worthless speeches (see 2 Corinthians 10:10). I wonder how he felt. Did it hurt him as much as it did me? He was, after all, a human being like me.
Jesus was not immune to criticism. If you ask me, He understands it the best. Even though He was innocent, He was accused, judged, and sentenced to death. In John 8, Jesus showed compassion toward a woman fairly accused of adultery because, in her case, she was guilty. In their society, stoning was the legal punishment. But Jesus responded: “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone” (John 8:7). Wow, I wish Jesus had appeared in the flesh that day to defend me!
A few more incidents happened after that, but God was faithful. Even on the days when I was overwhelmed with false accusations and doubted everything, including His love, I never once felt abandoned. Jesus helped me keep my eyes on Him.
I ran to Jesus in difficult times because I knew He was my comforter. He understands what it’s like to be publicly ridiculed, and He was able to empower me when I was at my weakest. I forgave my teachers because, just like the woman caught in adultery, I, too, have been guilty of other sins and yet have been forgiven. By the time I graduated, I had wonderful relationships with my teachers and amazing friendships.
God can really turn all things around for good. I am confident that He can do the same for you.
Let us pray:
Dear Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, knowing that You are the God of truth and justice. Thank You for Your steadfast love and mercy towards us, even in our darkest moments. Help us, O Lord, to stand firm, with a spirit of kindness, love, and forgiveness, as we bear witness to Your unending grace. We trust in Your sovereignty, knowing that Your hand is upon us, turning all things for our good and Your ultimate glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
