“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)
The past two days we looked at some reasons why people sometimes treat us poorly. Before we move on, I would like to reflect upon one more important consideration. Maybe you are not being treated as poorly as you might think. Consider if you have unfair expectations of others.
We live in an entitled society. We claim our “rights.” Sometimes our so-called “rights” will impose upon the “rights” of others. The abortion issue is a great example of this. The right of life of the child imposes upon the right of the mother to choose. The right of the mother to choose imposes upon the right of to life of the child. In the end, we must come to a decision as to which is the greater right. Is it the right to life or the right to choose?
When you feel you are being treated poorly by another person, it might be that your perception of how the person is treating you is skewed by your perspective. Do your “rights” trump their “rights”? It might by that other person is treating you fairly. It might be that you expect more from them than they might justly offer. It is just that you feel your “rights” trump their “rights”.
When we think about Jesus, he does not treat us as our sins deserve. He gave up his “rights” for our righteousness. It was not about what was fair or not fair. It was about his great love for you. He gave up all things so that you might have everything. Maybe this is what Jesus means when he says you will be blessed when you suffer for righteousness sake.
Reflection
- Think of an example where you had unfair expectations of others. Think of a time others had unfair expectations of you.
- How do you recognize when you have unfair expectations of others?
Prayer
Jesus, you are incredible. You gave up all things to that I might have everything. You gave up your rights for my righteousness. Help me to recognize when I have unfair expectations of others. Help me to humble myself, to follow your example, and to set aside my “rights” for the good of others. Amen.
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