Have you ever been treated unfairly by any person in your life? Worse, have you ever been misjudged or wronged even when what you were doing was right? If you have, take encouragement in the fact that Jesus was severely mistreated for you.
Of all the people in the world, the Lord Jesus is still the most wronged, misjudged, and unfairly treated person ever. He had no sin, yet He was crucified – a penalty that was only given for the worst of criminals. He did nothing wrong privately and publicly, yet He was rejected and humiliated by those who knew His private and public life. He brought the liberating power of God to men, but those who considered themselves knowledgeable in God's ways accused Him of working with the devil. He loved all of us, yet we killed Him with our sin. Yes, Jesus was treated most unjustly, way beyond what we can imagine.
Yet in all these things, Jesus teaches us how to handle the unjust and cruel treatment given to us by people, either from those we know and love, or from those we don't even recognise. Do you want to learn how Jesus wants us to handle that? Here's how.
1. Do not desire revenge
In Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus said, "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also."
He wants us to forego revenge and avoid sin!
It's part of our fallen sinful nature to retaliate when somebody does wrong to us. That attitude is rooted in sin, which says you must get even. Jesus teaches us to rise above that fallen attitude and face harsh treatment with love.
2. Rebuke and forgive
Jesus also said that we must confront the offender, and if he repents and asks forgiveness, we should not withhold it.
"So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive" (Luke 17:3-4).
3. Pray for those who hurt you
Jesus wants us to go further than just releasing forgiveness: He wants us to pray for those who hurt us.
"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbour' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike." (Matthew 5:43-45)
