The Sting of Lies, the Strength of Grace

⚠️ Statement:
I am not involved in any court issues, and anything that says otherwise is slander/libel.

1 John 3:11 (ESV)
“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.”

Has anyone ever told a lie about you? Has it hurt more than physical pain? Words carry power, and I can relate to the sting of malicious lips. A recent onslaught of lies left me bewildered, wondering why this betrayal was happening. It felt like a dagger in my heart.

I have spent a lot of time in prayer, talking with God, and asking trusted friends for advice, with the question, “How do I respond?” Many people gave me their input, each offering a different approach. These various scenarios played through my mind as I considered the potential outcomes of each one. I thought about how I would feel, how the other person would feel, and what the consequences might be. Through a lifetime of trials and tribulations, I’ve come to understand that a justified response doesn’t always mean you win.

For example, have you ever lashed out at someone with the same intensity they gave you? Do you remember how it felt afterward? For me, it never feels good. I’ve felt physically and mentally drained—and spiritually, I feel like I go down a notch.

Logically, staying silent doesn’t seem like a good way to respond. This world teaches us to fight back in the same manner we’re attacked. Just look at popular reality TV shows or sensationalist news media to see what “sells.” It conditions people to believe that “an eye for an eye” is the way to go. But do the masses really want the truth—or just entertainment in the gladiator ring?

After praying to Abba, our Father in Heaven, Exodus 14:14 came to me repeatedly:
Exodus 14:14 (ESV)
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

I realized, and continue to realize, that I must completely surrender to Him with unwavering faith and trust. The Bible is clear about the power of our words and how we should be slow to speak, knowing that our words have the power to bless or to curse, to heal or to harm.

Proverbs 12:18 (ESV)
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
James 3:10 (ESV)
“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”

This lesson was clearly for me. I needed to gain wisdom in how I respond and speak in every interaction. Am I truly being an imitator of my Savior? Am I showing the fruits of the Spirit? Are my actions and words uplifting, healing, and inspirational? Am I being a role model who reflects grace and truth?

There is a lesson in every trial. I prayed fervently about this one, and the old phrase “bad publicity is good publicity” came to mind. I cannot control what others do or say about me, but I can control how I respond. I can react from my human nature—or I can be a vessel for the Holy Spirit. The choice is mine.

I choose to walk with His Spirit, not in the flesh. I am grateful for these trials and tribulations, as they continue to refine me like artwork in my Father’s hands. A goldsmith or silversmith applies fire to remove impurities and does not stop until he sees his reflection in the metal.

I do not want Adonai, my Lord and Savior, to stop refining me until He sees Himself in me. I pray that I will be worthy of that blessing one day. I hope my lessons and journey can speak to others who are struggling with similar issues. The Body of Christ is meant to edify one another, lifting each other up and carrying one another’s burdens.

We are to be imitators of Yeshua—Christ, our Savior—the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. Through our words and actions, we can lift others up or tear them down.

Ephesians 4:25–32 (ESV)
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

May we be reminded daily of what we truly battle—powers and principalities, not flesh and blood.

Ephesians 6:12–20 (ESV)
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

With Great Love and Many Blessings,

Carrie Madej
Organically written by human hands with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. No AI assistance or ChatGPT used.