"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." Rom 12:14
It is a natural human reaction to hit back when we are hit. Many of us walk around with a chip on our shoulder and hair trigger fingers. We are prepared to instantly pounce if anyone offends, insults or in any way inconveniences us. How did we develop such aggressive responses?
Be assured beloved, that these ways are not of God. Christ encourages us to turn the other cheek if we are struck on the one. Paul asks the rhetorical questions, " Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" 1 Cor 6:7.
We need only follow the example of Christ for inspiration to endure suffering at the hands of others. It is not necessary to replay the entire crucifixion account to make this point. Know simply that Jesus endured ridicule, derision, false accusation and repeated death threats, yet never did he return evil for evil. In fact, he went so far as to ask for forgiveness for those who were involved in separating him from his life.
The question may have arisen in your mind, "Why should I have to suffer at the hands of someone else?" There are many possible answers to such a question. Perhaps the best is that through our peace in the face of such situations, God is glorified and souls may be won. Would you be more drawn to what is in a person that fights or that forgives? If you are a Christian today, you have already answered that question.
In Revival,
Lee
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