Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: 1 Chronicles 21-23
     New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 2

For it brings favor if, because of a consciousness of God, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if when you do wrong and are beaten, you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God. For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly (1 Peter 2: 19-23).

When we are treated unfairly, three common, knee-jerk reactions seem to come naturally:

1. The Aggressive Pattern: we place blame on others. This causes us to focus on the person who wronged us and keeps a running tally of wrongs done against us. It starts with a seed of resentment, germinates into revenge, and grows deep roots of bitterness.

2. The Passive Pattern: we feel sorry for ourselves. We throw a pity party, winning and complaining to whoever will lend a sympathetic ear. As a result, we become depressed and inactive.

3. The Holding Pattern: we postpone feelings. Every boiling issue is left to simmer by placing it on the back burner over a low flame. On the surface, all seems calm, but underneath our feeling seethe. This leads to doubt and disillusionment.

Peter reminds us God desires for His children is to press on even when we have been mistreated. But don’t expect to find any of the above three patterns we have just described. God provides an alternative response to unfair treatment.

Peter tells us, when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God (v20). Peter then points out that Jesus is the model to follow. When someone wrongs us, we are to follow the example of Jesus, who endured more injustice than we will ever face.

He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten (v 22-23).

Not only did Jesus provide an example of what to do, but He is also an example of how to do it. He entrusted Himself to the one who judges justly (v23b). Jesus trusted God the Father with the situation, moment by moment, and believed He would make all things right in His time. God calls us to remain faithful, even if we must suffer to do it. Our excellent behavior in this world—even when we are treated unjustly—pleases Christ, who also suffered injustice.