“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,” (1 Peter 3:14, ESV)
If you treat other people well, they will tend to treat you well. This was yesterday’s post. This principle works most of the time, but it does not work all the time. There are many times when people we treat well, will treat us poorly in return. There are exceptions to every rule, and there are certainly exceptions to this rule. You can probably think of an example where someone treated you poorly in spite of your kindness. There are different reasons this happens. Here are a few of them:
Hurt
We all have hurts and pains in our lives. We all deal with those hurts in a different way. Many people don’t know how to deal with it. As a result, they end up hurting other people. Hurting people hurt other people. When someone says or does something that is offensive, it might be a cry for help. It is simply they don’t know how to ask for help. They are their own worst enemy. They leave a path of destruction in their wake through their words and actions.
Covered with Darkness
Some people have such a veil of darkness over them. Their conscious is seared. They don’t realize they are hurting others and they don’t care. You might remember Pharaoh when Moses came. The text says that Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. There are many people like Pharaoh.
Unintentional
There are times when we say and do things that are not received in the way that we intended it to be received. There are also times when others say and do things that we do not receive in the way that they intended. This is where grace is required. When you are offended, seek to understand before you jump to conclusions. Your so called persecution may be a simple misunderstanding.
Conclusion
These are three reasons that we are sometimes treated poorly by others. We will look at three more reasons tomorrow. In each of these three instances, how might we respond in a godly way with the love of Jesus?
Reflection
- What do you think are some reasons why people treat others poorly?
- Where have you treated other people poorly and need to ask for forgiveness?
Prayer
God, my Heavenly Father, I am sometimes treated poorly by others. I am quick to take offense. I am more concerned at what is going on in my heart and mind that what is happening in the other person’s life. Help me to look at others with compassion rather than contempt. Help me to love them as you love them. Amen.
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