“And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, God is with you in all that you do. Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.”
Genesis 21:22-23
Abimelech and Phichol are presenting a deal to Abraham, but notice the manner in which they present. Abimelech isn’t alone this time, his general is with him. It almost seems like an intimidation tactic. Peer pressure was just as present in the day of Abraham. In addition to that we see them lay on the guilt so that they might manipulate Abraham to do things their way. Abimelech asks Abraham to “swear by God that he would not deal falsely with him” in other words he was pulling out the dirty laundry, reminding Abraham of his failures so that Abraham would feel bad and do whatever Abimelech wanted. And if that wasn’t enough he goes a step further in reminding Abraham of “how good and loyal” he has been to Abe even after Abraham lied.
This is exactly how the world works. When looking for what they want they Intimidate, Accuse, and Intimidate. Often this is how believers in Jesus Christ get into a compromising situation. Friends from the past come around and start pulling out the dirty laundry, reminding of past mistakes, or how you might owe them something.
“Ever since you accepted Jesus you’re not fun anymore”
“After all I’ve done for you, this is the thanks I get?”
“Come on man, all the old gang is going to be there.” or “Everyone is doing it!”
In these following verses we see an awesome example of how to handle these situations. Abraham truly portrays the work that God has been maturing in his character. He doesn’t bend to their accusations, intimidations, or manipulations; Abraham stands firm in the identity he has in the Lord, He remembers the promises that God has told Him.
When in similar situations it’s our responsibility to do the same.
“I’ve been crucified with Christ; it’s no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
When this world tries to strong arm you into compromise, or pin your back against the wall so that you dishonor the Lord, simply call on the Lord and remember His promises. He will fight for you and defend you in your situation, because you’re His kid.
When the prophet Zechariah had a glorious vision from the Lord, He saw Satan come and start accusing the nation of Israel (God’s children) of all the mistakes, screw-ups, and sins they had committed and how they were deserving of death and damnation. (Zechariah 3) But God responds in the most beautiful way:
“And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”"
Zechariah 3:2
God rebukes the accusations against those who are His own, His “Jerusalem”, or the ones that He has chosen. In John 15 we are told that we didn’t choose God, but He chose us, meaning He desired to be with us, He made it possible for our redemption. When Jesus died on the cross He initiated the reconstruction of a broken relationship between God and man. By placing your faith in Jesus there is then nothing that can separate you from the truth of God’s love for you and His redemptive work over you. (Romans 
So when the accusations fly, when the manipulations bend you backwards and the intimidations stand in your face…stand strong right back, because Jesus has your back!
He’s for you and not against you and He’ll fight so that you can remain uncompromised.
