Blessing Instead of Cursing

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven..." ~ Matthew 5:44-45

Today, I found and excellent example of blessing instead of cursing in Psalm 35.

King David had gone through a pretty rough time. In verses 11-12 we read that 'false witnesses' had risen up against David and laid to his charge things that he knew not. By 'knew not', it meant that he had not done these things he was being falsely accused of doing.

These accusers were seeking the 'spoiling of his soul'. They were seeking his ruin. They were intentionally bringing false accusations against King David to cause him trouble, to bring him sorrow and destruction.

Now, I ask you. Has anyone ever done that to you? Have you had someone make false accusations about your or slander you? I know I have. Too often, my first response is to get angry. Afterall, this is my character people are smearing. Sometimes, I want to set the record straight immediately. Maybe, even some of those involved! Other times, I just keep quiet and let the rumors fly.

Today though, I found a more excellent way to handle a situation like this. Look at the example King David set for us...

"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother." ~ Psalm 35:13-14

WOW! King David said that he had behaved toward his false accusers as though they had been his friend or brother. When they were sick, he fasted and prayed for them. He was burdened for them just like one who mourns over the loss of a mother! Now, that's love! That is truly returning good for evil.

One more thing I noticed. He was obviously not harboring bitterness nor seeking revenge. He had love and forgiveness in his heart. Because of that, he was able to pray for his enemies. He indeed returned 'blessings' for 'cursings'.

Next time someone falsely accuses us or wrongs us, let's spend time getting on our knees before our Father in heaven and interceeding for them. God will bless it and we will grow in grace and love, being "children of our Father which is in heaven."