Slaves, accept the authority of your masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who are harsh. For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.

"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."

When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

1 Peter 2:18-25

You have a bad morning. Because of that you make sure your staff has a bad day. Because of that everyone goes home ready to yell at someone or quit. Where does it all end? Somewhere along the way, things would be different if just one person would absorb unjust treatment without lashing out. This is when Christians have a unique opportunity. By knowing the Father’s will, by heeding the Son’s example, and by relying on the Spirit’s help, we can endure bad treatment in order to show others a better way. In chain reactions of frustration and anger, we can be where it all ends.

When you are wronged, don’t do what comes naturally;

do what comes supernaturally.

Our Daily Bread – March 29, 2004