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Relationships | Lousy |
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Pain in relationships is one of the worst emotional pains you can experience. When those you love hurt you and when you hurt those you love the pain of that runs very deep. You know what you're supposed to do. You know that you are to 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you' (Luke 6:31) but it can be difficult if you feel you are not being given the same consideration. Consider what Peter said: "Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you." 1 Peter 2:20 NLT We all know that if we do something wrong then we will have to deal with the consequences of that. But when you do not do anything wrong and you are still not treated well then it's more difficult to be patient. Jesus gave us the example of what to do in these situations. "He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." 1 Peter 2:22-23 NLT No matter how He was treated, Jesus did not sin. Not with His words and not in His heart. Even when He was falsely accused, beaten, ridiculed and hung on a cross He still didn't threaten them. He didn't lash back with His words and He didn't sin in His heart. In fact He said, "Father forgive them; for they don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34 NLT). The other thing He did was He 'left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.' Jesus committed Himself and His cause to His Heavenly Father. God is the righteous Judge and He will judge each situation correctly. That's why it's important when you are mistreated that you don't respond back in mistreatment of others. Peter goes on in chapter 3 and addresses wives. He starts out in verse 1 by saying, "Likewise ye wives..." In other words, just like Jesus did you are to treat your husbands, who may be in disobedience to the Word and mistreating you, in such a way that is not sinful or disrespectful. You commit yourself and your cause to the righteous Judge. (Of course this isn't to say you shouldn't remove yourself from a physically dangerous situation). This principle applies not only to marital relationships but to all relationships--friends, family, employee-employer, business etc. The important thing to remember is that the ultimate relationship in your life is with your Heavenly Father. Are your words and the attitudes of your heart pleasing to Him? When He looks at you in your situation will He be pleased with how you handle it? He sees everything and He knows how hard it can be. And just as Jesus said to love your enemies, to do good to those who hate you, to bless those that curse you and to pray for those who despitefully use you, (Luke 6:27-28), you will find your decision to do things God's way will pay off, even in this area of relationships. God Bless you and have a better day!
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