WHEN WE'RE WRONGED

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

365 DEVOTIONS FROM OUR DAILY BREAD

WHEN WE’RE WRONGED

READ:  1 Peter 2:19-23

When you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently,

this is commendable before God.  1 Peter 2:20

It’s natural to want to defend ourselves against injustice and to strike back.  But if we’re quiet and peaceful when others mistreat and persecute us, we are responding in a Christlike way.  God wants to develop in us qualities that are unnatural for us.  Anyone can be patient when everything’s going his or her way.  The greater virtue is to remain calm and controlled under provocation (1 Peter 2:20).

Francois Fenelon, a seventeenth-century theologian, put it this way:  “Don’t be so upset when evil men and women defraud you.  Let them do as they please; just seek to do the will of God…Silent peace and sweet fellowship with God will repay you for every evil thing done against you.  Fix your eyes on God.”  He allows painful situations to come into your life and, according to Fenelon, “He does this for your benefit.”

For our benefit?  Indeed!  As we respond to injustice in a Christlike way, our anxiety, insecurity, and pessimism will be transformed into tranquility, stability, and hope.

Why do we lash out when we’re mistreated?  Why are we so quick to defend ourselves or to seek revenge?  Is it not that we place too much value on our own comfort and rights?

If so, we must pray, echoing the words of Augustine, “Heal me of this lust of mine to always vindicate myself.”   DHR

Life can be lived with joy and peace

Amid its heartache and pain,

For with God’s help our hate can cease

And peace and justice will reign.   DJD

The best way to respond to wrong is to do what’s right.