Injustice. Trauma. It seems today we are more likely to encounter reckless and even rage-filled people. If we’re unfortunate enough to have repeated traumatic situations, then C-PTSD can develop. Painful, at times shattering events in our lives have real potential to tempt us to never turn to the one true living God and even if we are Believers, then to damage our faith can slowly but surely lure us away from our life-giving source. Jesus.
Jesus makes it clear that those through whom sin comes will suffer — at some point.
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6
Often when we read this passage we think of those who have hurt us; at times unintentional offenses and other times outright reckless thoughtlessness. There are likely wounds that have caused deep emotional pain that have never been acknowledged or accounted for by the offender.
God tells us that vengeance belongs to Him, and that He will repay. For the most egregious of sins that may have even changed the course of our lives, maybe this brings a level of comfort and peace. God’s message is one declaring His authority to exact retribution on His terms, and in His timing because the grievance was not primarily against us but again Him and Jesus. Those of us who may want to take matters into our own hands need to first and foremost consider His mercy toward us.
8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
How can we seriously contemplate His unfathomable love and forgiveness toward us and yet not turn around and offer it to the next person who hurts us, in time — no rushing it. There are plenty of scriptures to back up letting it go, turning the other cheek, praying for our enemies, picking up our Cross and following Him — to our death even. Much of how we respond when others’ hurt or offend us will depend on how close we are to Jesus. If we’re connected and abiding in Him we won’t be rattled too much; easier to brush the grievance aside.
Consider the story of Joseph. The son of Jacob who was thrown into a well and then sold into slavery by his own jealous brothers. Eventually, God works everything out for Joseph and because he was humble and obedient, decades later when his brothers are hungry and come to him for food rations, Joseph looks back and can see the hand of God in all of it.
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people[a] should be kept alive, as they are today. GE 50:20
God redeems all our pain and injustices against us for His purposes. We’re here for God. For our King.
In these uncertain days, where people seem more anxious than ever before, let’s be the calm waters, the gentle word, the embodiment of the One who forgives.
Trusting Him with our very lives.
Blue Fjord Devotionals 