Earlier this month I
wrote how that I had been falsely accused of engaging in a homosexual relationship with another prisoner. And I said
how this came as a terrible blow, taking me by surprise and leaving me depressed and devastated. My pain has been enormous,
and it still hurts.
Yet something wonderful has now
begun to take place. My joy is returning.
Only yesterday I found myself focusing on my
troubles. Yes, they can appear to be overwhelming at times. But this morning, while I was reading the Bible, I came
across a message I'm very familiar with. It was a portion of Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount."
And when I read the Lord's words, I was reminded
that I am "blessed" when others speak bad about me, and especially when they say things that are false. I am not to
weep. I am to rejoice instead.
I am to be happy when people, whether out of ignorance
or meanness, lie about me. They did the same to the Lord Jesus. And they did the same to the apostles and many
other Christians.
Even Stephen, the first official martyr of the
church, was put to death because of falsehoods that were spread about him. (Acts 6:8-15)
Herein is my victory. It is not in concerning
myself with my own reputation. Rather it is by trusting in Christ and knowing that, even when lies seem to advance farther
than truth, this will only be for a season. In the end, truth will triumph.
In addition, my reward for enduring such grief
will be much greater than had I never experienced such an ordeal. I am indeed a blessed man!
David Berkowitz
June
9, 2005
(c)2005 David Berkowitz
