We live in a world where our sinful nature urges us to first look out for ourselves. Rather than take responsibility for our own actions and faults, our first instinct is to accuse someone or something else – anything to take the focus off ourselves and avoid the consequences of our mistakes. 

But Accusations are often justified as well – a crime is committed, a costly mistake is made, a sin was committed that threatens a relationship. In these cases, it is necessary to accuse the one who did wrong so that justice can be served and restitution made. Before we accuse, we must be very careful to have all the facts, and to make an accusation in a way that focuses on righting the wrong, not on destroying the accused. Accusations have the power to destroy another person, so we must be extremely careful before we point our finger. Ultimately, God knows all motives and he will bring justice to the guilty in his time.

Why are accusations made against me?

Psalm 35:11

Malicious witnesses testify against me. They accuse me of crimes I know nothing about.

We live in a world where our sinful nature urges us to look out for ourselves first. Those who live mostly for themselves will naturally blame others if it will keep them looking good. So don’t be surprised if you are accused unjustly and blamed for circumstances and events over which you have no control. Jesus himself was often falsely accused. 

John 15:18-19

If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

Matthew 5:10-11

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. [11] "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

Those who follow Jesus can expect to be unjustly accused because we live in the midst of spiritual warfare, and Satan will stop at nothing to try to hurt our testimony and destroy our character so that we will be ineffective witnesses for our faith.

As a Christian, why do I seem to face more accusations and criticism?

Zechariah 3:1

Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua.

Ephesians 6:12

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Revelation 12:9-11

This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night.” Spiritual forces of darkness battle against all who believe in Jesus as Lord, and are often behind the criticism and antagonism we face. 

Job 2:1

One day the members of the heavenly court came again to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them.

Satan is the ultimate accuser. He will try to accuse us of many things; he will try to make us doubt our faith, our salvation, or our acceptance by God. That’s when we must rely on God’s promises and focus on his Word.

John 7:7

The world . . . does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil.

Acts 10:42

And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all-the living and the dead.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

Jesus is Truth and therefore the ultimate accuser of a sinful world. In the end, his judgment is the only one that will matter. When we are on his side, we’re on the winning side.

John 8:9

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.

Sometimes accusations come from our own consciences. It is wise to listen and then seek God. He may be trying to point out sin in our lives so that we can repent, be free from that sin, and enjoy closer fellowship with him.

Deuteronomy 19:16

If a malicious witness comes forward and accuses someone of a crime . . . 

Ezra 4:6

Years later when Xerxes began his reign, the enemies of Judah wrote a letter of accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

1 Peter 3:15-17

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. [16] But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. [17] Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

Matthew 5:44

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Sometimes accusations come from those who dislike us. Christians can be victims of false accusations simply because of their beliefs. Our enemies often become our accusers, hoping they can trip us up. In those times, we have to trust God with the situation and stick to what we know is the truth—yet we must also hold humility. As Christ’s representatives, our greatest witness is our imitation of him. Our patience under trial, kindness to our accusers, and love for those who disagree is what makes us stand apart (John 13:35). If we lose that love and fall into angry accusations of our own, we are playing into Satan’s hand.

Is there a proper way to accuse someone?

Matthew 7:3-5

And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

John 8:7

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”

Self-examination should precede accusation. Once we recognize our own wrongs, be less hasty to accuse and more merciful in our judgement.

Matthew 18:15-17

If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If we feel we have been wronged by another believer, Jesus instructs us to go to that person first and try to work it out privately.

This helps us gain an understanding of their motives. Don’t talk about it to everyone else first, which may cause undue damage to that person’s reputation. Only after that person has refused to listen should we involve another believer or two.

1 Timothy 5:19

Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses.

Deuteronomy 19:15

You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Multiple witnesses are usually necessary to equitably determine the facts. Each succeeding witness reinforces the credibility of former witnesses.

Leviticus 19:11

Do not steal. Do not deceive or cheat one another.

Proverbs 29:22

An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.

James 3:14

But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying.

Philippians 2:3

Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

Proverbs 3:30

Don't pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.

Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm. Before accusing someone, we must double-check our motives. It may be we’re accusing someone simply out of anger or to cover mistakes we’ve made. Accusing someone falsely may leave lasting rumors, cheating that person of their good reputation.

John 18:23

Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?”

Proverbs 25:8

don't be in a hurry to go to court. For what will you do in the end if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?

We must be very careful not to accuse, judge, or cast doubt on someone unless we can prove it.

What are the consequences of falsely accusing others?

Deuteronomy 19:16-20

If a malicious witness comes forward and accuses someone of a crime, then both the accuser and accused must appear before the Lord by coming to the priests and judges in office at that time. The judges must investigate the case thoroughly. If the accuser has brought false charges against his fellow Israelite, you must impose on the accuser the sentence he intended for the other person.

Jeremiah 37:13-16

But as he was walking through the Benjamin Gate, a sentry arrested him and said, “You are defecting to the Babylonians!” . . . “That’s not true!” Jeremiah protested. “I had no intention of doing any such thing.” But Irijah wouldn’t listen, and he took Jeremiah before the officials. They were furious with Jeremiah and had him flogged and imprisoned . . . Jeremiah was put into a dungeon cell, where he remained for many days.

1 Kings 21:10, 13, 19-21

And then seat two scoundrels across from him who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death . . . Then the two scoundrels came and sat down across from him. And they accused Naboth before all the people, saying, “He cursed God and the king.” So he was dragged outside the town and stoned to death . . . “So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. “Yes,” Elijah answered, “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is Evil in the Lord’s sight. So now the Lord says, ‘I will bring disaster on you and consume you.’”

1 Peter 3:14

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.

Although false accusations sometimes lead to unjust earthly punishments, God is the ultimate judge and his final punishments and rewards will last for eternity. As the holy Judge, God will always bring justice. Sometimes his justice is swift and administered in this life. Sometimes it is deferred until after death. Either way, his justice always comes.

How should I respond to accusations against me?

Psalm 35:21-24

They shout, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we saw him do it!” O Lord, you know all about this. Do not stay silent. Do not abandon me now, O Lord. Wake up! Rise to my defense! Take up my case, my God and my Lord. Declare me not guilty, O Lord my God, for you give justice. Don’t let my enemies laugh about me in my troubles.

Psalm 27:1-3

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.

Romans 8:31

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

Our first line of defense is to draw strength from the assurance that God is for us, not against us. God has full knowledge of the accusation and the truth, and he has the authority and ability to handle the situation. If we are innocent, we should defend ourselves. But we shouldn’t forget to ask God to defend us and see that justice is done. Human accusation, criticism and opposition cannot quench the fortifying power of God’s love and truth.

Nehemiah 6:8-9

I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.” They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.

Accusations can become a distraction from God and his mission. When accused, we should take the matter to God, draw strength from him, and then continue serving him with our life and work.

Psalm 119:78

Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.

Proverbs 26:2

Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.

1 Peter 2:15

It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.

Instead of trying to even the score against our accusers, we should focus on the instructions and promises of God’s Word. Living faithfully for God is a testimony against false accusations. 

Genesis 3:11-13

“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

Hosea 4:4

Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame! My complaint, you priests, is with you.

When we’re accused, blaming others is often our first reaction. However, there are times when we need to accept the blame that is rightfully ours. If an accusation against us is true, we need to own it, ask forgiveness from those we hurt, and make things right. Promptly accepting responsibility leads to a smoother resolution in the long run.

Luke 12:11-12

And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.

We can seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we respond to accusations. He can give us help we never thought possible.

Matthew 5:44

Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Mark 11:25

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."

1 Peter 3:9

Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

Romans 12:20-21

Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads." [21] Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Don’t underestimate the power of prayer! As hard as it is to love someone who falsely accuses us, when we pray for them, we will begin to see them as Jesus does.

Matthew 27:12-14

But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.

In some instances, it is best to remain silent. There are times when your silence shouts your innocence.

Matthew 5:11

God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

1 Peter 3:14

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.

Jesus was mocked and persecuted. His followers should expect the same. But God will reward us when you are persecuted for Jesus’ sake, because we have identified ourselves with him.

Psalm 140:12

But I know the LORD will help those they persecute; he will give justice to the poor.

Psalm 103:6

The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

Romans 14:12

Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.

Although false accusations sometimes lead to unjust earthly punishments, the ultimate Judge meting out both punishments and rewards is God. As the just Judge, God will always bring justice. Sometimes his justice is swift. Sometimes it is deferred until the final judgment. Either way, we can be confident our Holy Judge will set things right.

1 Peter 2:12, 15

Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world . . . It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.

God calls us to continue to live Christlike lives before our accusers. It will be magnetic, and may even attract our accusers to God.

Romans 12:14-21

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them . . . Never pay back evil with more evil . . . never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say . . . “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Jude 1:9

But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” While our first instinct may be to exercise any power and influence you have to justify ourselves and vindicate your reputation, obeying God in faithful humility and trusting him to make things right should be our first priority. From that place, our next course of action will become clearer.

Promises from God

Romans 8:33-34

Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

1 Peter 3:16

Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

Colossians 1:22

Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.