Victim Or Victor?

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!

- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com