When we are mistreated it is ungodly to respond in kind. It is wrong to attempt to get even. It is equally wrong to examine and enumerate the exact nature of the wrong suffered and thus to attempt to correct the person who has hurt us. This is the equivalent of judgmental criticism.
The Bible says "Judge not" (Matthew 7:31, Luke 6:37). We become sinners when we attempt to correct the wrong ourselves. "Vengence is mine, saith the Lord" (Romans 12:19).
It is ineffective to ignore the hurt. A decision to ignore a hurt dealt by another human being raises a wall between us. Ignoring becomes ignorance. We close our ears and hearts to the one who has caused harm in order to be ignorant of any hurt they might send our way. We cannot listen to or love one whom we have decided to ignore.
Love is the only agent that can neutralize the poison of vindictiveness. Acts of love toward a person who has done us harm flow like a river at flood stage, and the debris of mockery and malice are washed away. Love is stronger than any force that come against us. If God is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
When Jesus was mocked he did not say a word. "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23).
But watch what Jesus did. He committed the greatest act of love that has ever been given to humankind. He died for us. And by the Power of God through the Holy Spirit, He Has risen for us, that we might extend His love to others.
When someone commits a hurtful act against me, it is my responsibility as a forgiven sinner to commit an act of love toward them. "We love, because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Thursday, April 12, 2012
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