How should we defend our faith, respond to criticism and false accusations? Let’s begin in Job 6.
Did Eliphaz’s tasteless words just make Job’s calamity heavier? Though he didn’t yet understand why, did Job realize that God ultimately had allowed his suffering?
Then Job answered, “Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore my words have been rash. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me. Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder? Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg? My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me. (Job 6:1-7 WEB)
Do people sometimes find death a greater relief than continued suffering?
Oh, that what I’ve requested would come and God grant my hope; that God be willing to crush me, release his hand and cut me off. I’d still take comfort, relieved even though in persistent pain; for I’ve not denied the words of the holy one. What is my strength, that I should hope; my end, that my life should drag on? Is my strength that of rocks, my flesh bronze? I don’t have a helper for myself; success has been taken from me. (Job 6:8-13 CEB)
Do true friends show kindness even to those who have fallen from faith? Were they instead like dried up streams to a thirsty man?
My friends, I am desperate, and you should help me, even if I no longer respect God All-Powerful. But you are treacherous like streams that swell with melting snow, then suddenly disappear in the summer heat. I am like a caravan, lost in the desert while searching for water. Caravans from Tema and Sheba thought they would find water. But they were disappointed, just as I am with you. Only one look at my suffering, and you run away scared. (Job 6:14-21 CEV)
Accused of sin, did Job ask his friends to look him in the eye and name his supposed sins?
Have I said, ‘Make me a gift’? Or, ‘From your wealth offer a bribe for me’? Or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary's hand’? Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless’? Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray. How forceful are upright words! But what does reproof from you reprove? Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind? You would even cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend. But now, be pleased to look at me, for I will not lie to your face. Please turn; let no injustice be done. Turn now; my vindication is at stake. Is there any injustice on my tongue? Cannot my palate discern the cause of calamity? (Job 6:22-30 ESV)
How does Peter advise us to defend ourselves and our faith?
Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Pet 3:15b-17 HCSB)
How should we defend our faith, respond to criticism and false accusations? You decide!
