Yesterday, someone accused me of lying by misrepresenting myself on his tuition agency website. And before I could reply, he said, "You ownself go think," and hung up brusquely on me. I was shocked at the way he spoke. So I decided to check things out...

But thank God for His protection through it all. And also very blessed, because when I got back home after receiving that call, Edwin MSNed me the moment I logged onto the computer. He sent me a listing of media jobs! Numerous some more! I was so touched... both by his sweet support and also the sheer timing of it... because I was worried deep down in my heart about even finding another tuition job.

God is so good. And I also reflected upon it... I realised that there are people who will accuse unfairly, and not want to be understanding... because they are so concerned about their "ownself". That is the way of the world, but as children of God we must look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.

But well! I was appalled, astonished, exasperated, mortified, ashamed, confused and disgusted at the ear-tingling excoriation from the staff... (haha I feel like flexing my Engrish powder just to show that I'm capable enough of teaching some decent words.... haha :P)

I was also tempted to go online and post a lot of angry rants... sort of like "cyber-spray-painting" their website... (machiam like cyber loan-shark).

So I wondered, how should I respond to this unfair and unjust accusation? So prayed.

Then 1 Samuel 30:6 came to mind:

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

So I remembered that hey, it wasn't David's fault that the Amalekites raided his base camp... perhaps it could have been done better by leaving a rear guard while he and his men were out on mission...

but in the end, we sincerely do our best planning and efforts, and if and when we fail, and others are angry with us or even hate us... then let's find strength in the Lord our God. Let's ask Him to vindicate us. But let's not take revenge in our own hands, for it is His to avenge, He will repay them in due time.

Instead... let's be kind and gracious to those who accuse us baselessly. Let's respond with a gentle spirit, even as we speak up to defend our names (and especially Christ's name). Because I was reminded of how Paul and Silas the apostle spoke up when they were dragged into prison on baseless charges AND beaten up without any proper trial. They knew their Roman citizenship rights and weren't afraid to be firm but also gentle.

Acts 16:35-39
35When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: "Release those men." 36The jailer told Paul, "The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace."

37But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out."

38The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city.

Paul and Silas, as Roman citizens, could have actually brought the case all the way up to the Roman Emperor himself, as it was their legal right...

Something I also learnt is that it's not a good idea to threaten people, even if it's nicely worded. People, no matter how unreasonable they may be, still do deserve their freedom to make their own choices... especially those they perceive to be moral choices. You can't force their hand... it's not a moral thing to do.

Of course there'll be consequences to pay, but that is not for us to judge... that is for God to judge. But perhaps I could have given the other party the benefit of the doubt, and expressed my confidence that he/she will do what is good.

Sheesh. It's been quite draining. But haha I think I can understand better now on both sides... and how tech support callers feel. Not easy at all.