THIS is not right!

Many, make that most of the people in the Bible had good reasons to declare, “This is not right!”  or “This is unjust!” or “This is not fair!” or This is WRONG!

Joseph could have said it over his treatment by his brother and imprisonment by his boss.

David could have said it over his relationship with King Saul or his son Absalom.

Ruth could say it while burying her husband and her sons in a foreign land.

Jesus could have said it about the person slapped in the face.

Jesus could have said it as he was beaten and crucified.

Paul could have said it from prison.

Paul could have said it from being shipwrecked.

John could have said it while imprisoned on the island.

BUT THEY DIDN’T.

Joseph said he would rather forgive because God took what was intended as evil and used it for good.

David said he would trust God by waiting for God to make him king and God would deal with King Saul.

Ruth saw God bless her with a child and give Naomi a grandson to cuddle.

Jesus said to turn the other cheek.

Jesus said, Father forgive them.  They do not know what they are doing.

Paul said persecution gave him the opportunity to fellowship in the sufferings of Jesus.

John said God came to him on his island prison and revealed the future so he could comfort and challenge the church.

Read 1 Peter 2:21-3:6.  Slaves being treated unjustly and wives with prideful husbands who refuse to acknowledge Jesus are to pour love and respect into their relationships.  The example they should ask God to help them be like is seen in Jesus.

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. . . you must follow in his steps. . . . 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: 21 and 23 portions, NLT)

How we respond when we are treated unjustly is a great opportunity to love as God loves and to show off the new life given when we had our spiritual birth.

BEING TREATED UNFAIRLY?  How can you love the troubling person/enemy?  Unfair treatment is a great opportunity to let the light shine.