Injustices

I read this last night from Pastor James MacDonald's blog. It is so what I needed re a situation. I thought you all might enjoy it!

Dealing with Life's InjusticesPosted by James MacDonald on September 14, 2007 02:06 AM


Can't sleep. Up in the middle of the night over something that has happened that I'm struggling to let go of. Tossing and turning, talking to silent faces that don't respond to my well-reasoned, imagined presentations. I have been the recipient of an action that is 100% wrong. I didn't ask for it, I didn't deserve it, and I didn't see it coming. It's not right, it's not defensible, and it's most certainly unbiblical. It hurts my heart, it wounds my sense of fairness, and I can do absolutely nothing to change it. If I press for justice or at least vindication, I risk further misunderstanding and will only make matters worse. Those few who could step in and force a reconciliation are content to be passive and protect their own interests. . . Hmmmmm . . . Time to preach to myself!!!
What would Jesus do?
Hebrews 12:3, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Ok, yes, Jesus was falsely accused and much more and yet, "when he was reviled he did not revile in return." He was silent in the face of His accusers. Hmmmm. . . Well, too late for silence, but I can at least regroup and be silent going forward. I can, with God's help absolutely seal my lips and refuse to rally support for my cause or draw anyone else into the issue. Yes, silence; that seems right! But what about my cause? What about my reputation? What about justice?
More preaching to myself needed . . .
1 Peter 2:23a, "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not." I know, I know, Jesus was silent, but that's not easy, especially not, as in my case where the issue involves total pagans. They don't believe as I do. They don't go to my church, read the same Book, or follow the same rules. How will this matter ever be set right if I just fold completely? Who's gonna handle this . . . ?
1 Peter 2:23a, "but committed himself to him that judges righteously." Yes, that's it. I believe there is a God of perfect justice who sees and keeps track of everything that happens. I don't need to fight for my rights, or demand a hearing or set the record straight. I don't need to fight for fairness or insist that others are held accountable, I need to commit the whole matter 100% to God and wait for Him to vindicate in His time and way. Romans 12:19, "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,' says the Lord."
OK, but what do I do with all these feelings welling up inside me? Oh, here comes another Scripture. James 2:13a, "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy." Yes, that's it! Even though my flesh cries out for justice and the righting of all wrongs, in my spirit I know that I am following a master who has shown me a better way. The people in this situation are expecting a response of demanded rights, and push back about fairness, etc., etc. Because I know that I will account to God for every action I take, because I want the mercy of Christ for me and my family in that final day, I want to show mercy whenever possible. I want to withhold from others what they may deserve and give them grace instead. I have received so much grace, how could I not extend it to others?
Yep, that's it for sure. James 2:13b, "Mercy triumphs over judgment." That's what I should do, that's what I want to do, that's what . . . hmmm, with God's help I'm gonna do. I'm gonna write the matter off to the ultimate justice of God and show mercy to those involved.
I promise, Lord :)
Ok, back to bed. If I was smarter I would have settled this before I went to sleep. Psalm 127:2, "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep."
I'll be snoring in 5 minutes. God is good!
james