Not Fair!

"No fair!" "I didn't deserve that!" "I'm going to get you for that!" "You just wait!" We've heard each of these and maybe we've said them too -- or at least thought them. Haven't we?

What do we do when we are mistreated? Is not the tendency -- or at least the first impulse -- to retaliate in like manner? Do we attempt to make sure we come out on top? Are we not satisfied until the wrong is made completely right? Is that always possible? Or, in attempting to do that is it not entirely possible for us to make the situation even worse?

A fact of this life is there will be times when we will be treated unfairly. Therefore, not if, but when it happens, it is important how we either respond to or put up with the situation.

How did Jesus deal with this? Peter wrote. . .
"(23) When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, HE did not threaten, but CONTINUED ENTRUSTING HIMSELF TO HIM WHO JUDGES JUSTLY." ( 1 Peter 2:23 ESV)

Though it may not always be easy, many times we simply need to learn to LEAVE IT IN GOD'S HANDS. Ultimately He will judge and deal with the personal wrongs that may have been done toward us. Our hope should be that through not retaliating we might be able to win the person over. To retaliate would merely feed the fire and drive us further apart.

Let us treat others just the way we desire to be treated and LET GOD DEAL WITH those we have not been able to influence toward His Way. God will judge justly. May we continue entrusting ourselves to Him.

Have a great day EXEMPLIFYING A CHRIST-LIKE SPIRIT!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 08/07/1998 (edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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