“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)
Yesterday, we shared three reasons why people sometimes treat us poorly. Today, I share three additional reasons.
Deceived Evil is Good
Satan is described as the Father of Lies and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing. He is a great deceiver. He uses culture, media, and celebrity to manipulate. Many in this world are sincerely convinced that wrong is right and that evil is good. There are times when you may be treated poorly by someone who sincerely believes they are doing the right thing.
Bad Company
Peer influence is powerful. There is a reason we desire our children have good friends. Friends will influence for better or for worse. You may be treated poorly as a result of someone going along with the crowd they keep.
Moral Weakness
Most people want to do the right thing. At the same time, there are temptations that abound. When faith is weak, we are susceptible to the the pulls of the flesh. In the effort to build our kingdom, we can step on and take advantage of others. To get that promotion, a person might gossip about a co-worker that is also in line for the same promotion. To build wealth, a person might cheat others of their money.
Conclusion
There are a whole bunch of reasons other people might treat you poorly. But a common theme in all of them is the lack of the presence of Jesus in their life. Our role is to help shine the light of Jesus in their life. Rather than the opportunity to take offense, it is the opportunity to practice grace.
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?
Reflection
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.
CHARLENE ADAMS says
I liked what you have been writing concerning being hurt by others. I was wondering if forgiveness is conditional? Not salvation but if as a christian, you sin against another ie, taking someone else’s money in acquiring wealth. You repent of it but does God require a conditional response for forgiveness. A thing or process to be done in the action of repentance. IE give back the money in this example. I have not thought about this before but when we are asked to forgive someone we are required to do so. Does forgiving someone who has wronged you, need to act, behave or change that manifests a change? Or is being asked to forgive enough of a response from one who hurts? Family is always hurting or getting hurt and they ask for forgiveness and then turn around and hurt again.