By Joe
Slater
Crime victims want justice. We should
understand. They don’t always get it. That’s a sad reality. People in this sinful
world seldom behave fairly, especially in matters that don’t rise to the level
of criminality. Even God’s own people sometimes fail to treat each other equitably.
How should you handle unfair treatment?
Some play up their status as a victim, wallowing in self-pity and feeding on
the sympathy of any who will listen to their tale of woe. Others seek revenge
despite the fact that vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19).
Joseph chose a different approach, that of
a victor. Victimized by his envious brothers, then by Potiphar’s designing
wife, and once more by the Pharaoh’s forgetful chief butler, Joseph maintained
confidence in God and made the best of his less-than-ideal situation. We find
not the first hint of self-pity or personal vengeance in him. Long before Peter
wrote 1 Peter 5:6, Joseph embodied what the apostle said: “Humble yourselves
under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
Who has been victimized more than Jesus?
The Sanhedrin, the Roman authorities, and even one of His chosen disciples made
Jesus the victim of all victims! Yet He gained the ultimate victory in spite of
everything. Far from seeking vengeance, Jesus prayed for the very ones murdering
Him and “committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (Luke 23:34; 1 Peter
2:23).
Choose to be a victor, not a victim!
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