For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.
1 Peter 2:20-21

It’s not fair!

Think about what you just read in this verse of Scripture. You have been called to a life of unfair treatment.

It’s more than that; you have been called to patiently and graciously endure unfair treatment. You have been called to forgive and even love people who have treated you unjustly.

If you can say, “I had that coming, I deserved that,” you’re being treated fairly. But when you find yourself saying, “That wasn’t fair! I did nothing to deserve that, I’m being mistreated,” you have been given the opportunity to be like Jesus, to forgive and love someone who doesn’t deserve it.

Does that mean I have to continue being abused? Not necessarily, but it does mean I’m called to forgive it. That’s where grace comes in: only God’s Spirit at work in me can bring that forgiveness about in my self-centered heart, and enable me to love unfair people.

To this you have been called: to be like Jesus.

Lord Jesus, You set me the example and showed me how it’s done, but my heart rebels against injustice, when it’s done to me. Forgive my incomplete surrender. Help me to trust myself to Your care, pick up my cross and follow You in forgiving and still loving, for Your sake. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles