Finding Strength in Adversity: Overcoming Mistreatment with Grace and Forgiveness
Don’t mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others, and do your best to live at peace with everyone. Dear friends, don’t try to get even. Let God take revenge. In the Scriptures the Lord says, “I am the one to take revenge and pay them back.” The Scriptures also say, “If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads.” Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good. Romans 12:17–21 (CEV)
There are certain memories of past events that I would prefer to let go of. There were times when I felt so overwhelmed by what I was going through that I couldn’t respond to the mistreatment I faced. Sometimes, I wish I had spoken up and defended myself against the hurtful things that were said and done.
I must admit that I don’t always remember the teachings of God when He tells us not to be overcome by evil. Perhaps I am fortunate that I didn’t let anger consume me when I easily could have. Maybe it’s the Holy Spirit working within me.
But let’s take a moment to reflect on that passage. In today’s world, there are numerous reasons why a sincere Christian might feel offended. People who know you follow Christ may try to take advantage of your gentle nature and deceive you. Some may even pick fights with you simply because your values differ from theirs. They may even go as far as labeling you a “hypocrite,” despite your genuine intentions.
However, take heart when you face mistreatment. Jesus has taught us that we can find joy in the midst of mistreatment because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to us. In a way, the mistreatment we endure, as unpleasant as it may be, becomes a testament to our faith in Christ.
We are persecuted because our way of life challenges and condemns others, causing them to react with hostility. Their mistreatment of us is an attempt to alleviate their guilt. In the face of mistreatment, the tough yet righteous response is to forgive those who have hurt us. Just as Jesus, hanging on the cross between two thieves, asked God to forgive the world because they acted out of ignorance.
When we encounter mistreatment, we can adopt the same mindset. Despite the difficulty and pain it brings, we can ask God to forgive those who have wronged us because they act in ignorance, influenced by the Devil who seeks to lead us astray. Jesus displayed such forgiveness because He viewed people with compassion, just as the Father looks upon us.
Additionally, we can ask God to provide an escape route so that we can endure what we are going through. Jesus instructed us to flee persecution, so don’t let anyone deceive you. Sometimes, it’s wise to remove ourselves from harm’s way (Matthew 10:23). The Bible provides several instances where Jesus slipped away when His enemies had planned to capture and kill Him.
Finally, we need to seek God’s help in controlling our anger. While anger is a valid emotion, it is not always the response that honors God in the face of mistreatment. Peter, for example, became angry and cut off someone’s ear. Although he had justifiable reasons to be angry, that wasn’t the appropriate time or place for it. Surrendering to God’s purpose was crucial at that moment so that his anger wouldn’t hinder God’s plan.
As you venture out into the world today, my prayer is that your mind will be filled with God’s love and His promises. May you draw upon that love when faced with mistreatment, and may we conquer everyday evil with the goodness that God has instilled within us.
