Saturday, July 2, 2011

81. He Didn't Open His Mouth

1 Peter 2:23


Okay, you know that thing where somebody says or does something that really pisses you off or breaks your heart and then fifteen minutes later, when you’re driving away, you think up the perfect comeback? Oh man! Don’t you just want to drive back there, jump up in their face and say it?! Doesn’t it feel like there would be nothing on this earth more satisfying than just giving everybody what’s coming to them? You know, when someone hurts you, the natural feeling hammering against every nerve in your mind and body is that getting them back and making them feel that same pain would be the height of joy for you. The only problem is that our natural way of thinking is a lie. It doesn’t make you feel any better to do that. The only thing retaliation achieves is the multiplication of misery. We tell ourselves it’s justice, but really, it’s just us getting revenge. When Jesus was being betrayed, arrested without cause, falsely accused, mocked, slandered, beaten, tortured and murdered, He never said a word. He just took it. Peter says “He kept on entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.” I know that when someone breaks your heart with the things they say, you want nothing more than to break theirs back, but don’t do it. It’s not going to give you what you think it will. (Now, I’m not talking to someone in an abusive situation - if you are in trouble, get out and get help.) I’m talking about the everyday kind of drama we all face with gritted teeth. Look to Jesus, feel sorry for that sad person and forgive them. Let Jesus mend your heart and leave that person to God.

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