Anyone can accuse you of anything at any time. There is nothing you can do about it. Not only that, but proving you did not do something is nearly impossible even if you really did not do it.
How far back do you look at someone’s past in order to prove that they are not perfect?
If you have a past, and most of us do have one that we’d rather not discuss, I will tell you that it does not need to define you. No matter what you’ve done, if you’ve changed, Jesus knows it. No matter what someone did to you, that’s behind you too. When God forgives you, He doesn’t bring it up again.
However, people might bring it up.
How far back should we dig in someone’s past? What if it is someone you want to date? What if they are a teacher? What if they are running for office? Does it matter if they made a mistake 30 years ago? What about 25? What about 40? How perfect does someone have to be? Do they have to be able to prove it?
What does it say about those who dig deep to find a flaw?
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
John 8:4-11
When a person goes and sins no more, how many years do we need to wait to stop bringing up the past? Should we beat them with it every chance we get? If we continue to bring it up, that’s what it could very well feel like.
Jesus forgave the woman immediately. Most of us want to be forgiven immediately. What kind of forgiveness will you offer others? Will they always have to worry that you will keep bringing up their mistakes? Or, will you let it go?
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to look at your family and friends. Who do you need to forgive today? The holidays are coming. Families and friends will be getting together. Wouldn’t it be better with that person around? Perhaps it’s time to forgive and make amends. If you’ve falsely accused someone, it’s time to make amends for that too.