ODJ: Solution to Scorn

March 11, 2016 

READ: Psalm 119:65-72 

Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in tRuth I obey your commandments with all my heart (v.69).

In his article “The Price of Public Shaming in the Internet Age,” Todd Leopold asks, “Do you believe in forgiveness? Do you believe in second chances? Of course you do. Everybody makes mistakes. To err is human, to forgive divine. Right? Not in the age of social media.”

I read about a barista whose name and actions went viral after she was rude to a customer. Her behavior was inappropriate and she deserved to be reprimanded by her boss. But did her actions warrant written attacks from people from around the globe?

Long before the Internet, an author penned the words of Psalm 119—wisdom that includes how the scribe had been scorned and slandered by others (v.69). If your reputation has been damaged either by poor decisions or wrongful attacks, take heart—God desires for you to experience health in your relationship with Him and vital community with others.

Consider how the writer of Psalm 119 responded to challenges and attacks as found in the following words:

• He acknowledged his need for God to teach him good judgment (v.66).

• He confessed there were times he had wandered from God (v.67).

• Despite his past, he was now committed to follow God’s Word (v.67).

• While facing discipline, he testified of God’s goodness and the value of His wisdom (v.68).

• Though the arrogant “smeared” him with lies, and though callous and unfeeling hearts surrounded him, he chose to cling to and to find delight in God’s instructions (vv.69-72).

Like the psalmist, by God’s grace we can experience solace, restoration, and delight through God and His loving heart.

—Roxanne Robbins

365-day-plan: Judges 14:1-20

MORE
Read Isaiah 54:17 and consider how God can help us to rise above wrongful attacks from others. 
NEXT
What has been your typical response to scorn and slander? How can God’s wisdom and presence provide comfort in the midst of attacks from others?