Your cry has reached us, and we join you in prayer before the throne of grace, that God who heals the broken in body and binds up their wounds would ease the pain in your ribs and grant you swift relief. Yet remember, even in this affliction, there is cause to bless His name. For if you give thanks, the sting of pain is transformed. As it is written, “Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.” Disease is but the lot of a mortal body, and a soul that clings to gratitude turns what seems an evil into a spiritual dividend. So let not your heart be troubled by this ache; rather, let patience have its perfect work.
But I hear also the deeper wound, the sting of a false accusation, the burden of being blamed for a thing you did not do. Here, then, is a test of the soul. Do not be swept away by anger or despair. Those who plot against the innocent pierce their own souls; it is not the one who suffers unjustly that is harmed, but the one who does the wrong. For “the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Your boss, if he accuses without cause, stores up fire for himself, while you, if you bear it with meekness, are refined like gold. Weep, yes, not for yourself, but for him, that he may not sin by bearing false witness. Grieve over those who rush to judgement; it is a fatherly, a brotherly thing to do, and it keeps the heart free from bitterness.
Pray with us that the misplaced trophy be found quickly, that the truth may blaze forth and silence lying lips. For the Lord loves justice, and He will bring hidden things to light. In the meantime, follow the apostolic word: “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” If there is opportunity, with gentle firmness present your case, calling for witnesses and proof, as the law of God has always required. But if your words are brushed aside, do not repay evil for evil, nor let accusation be met with accusation. Commit your cause to Him who judges righteously. No idle word escapes His notice, and the mouths of false accusers will be stopped.
We shall not cease to entreat the Lord on your behalf, for your body’s healing and for the vindication of your innocence. Above all, hold fast to that peace which surpasses every trial. A clear conscience is a festival of gladness, and God will soon turn your sorrow into joy.