Why Not Rather Be Wronged? (1 Peter 2:23) - Your Daily Bible Verse - November 30

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” - 1 Peter 2:23

Why Not Rather Be Wronged?
by Lynette Kittle

Have you ever been mistreated? Dealt with unfairly or experienced loss and hardships at the hands of another? Has someone cheated you out of a position, promotion, or items that should have rightfully been yours?

If so, you’re not alone. Ever-increasing lawsuits are evidence of a world of unfairness.

Yet as a Christian, what is your response? Have you adapted the ways and methods of the culture or do you trust God in these types of matters, turning to Him to direct your reactions and make things right?

1 Corinthians 6:6 describes God’s attitude towards Christians taking each other to court like non-Christians do, stating, “But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!” 1 Corinthians 6:6

In this day of quick lawsuits, how do you handle being lied about, wronged or cheated out of things?

1 Corinthians 6:7 states, “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”

Because God assures that He will bring justice, rushing to take each other to court reveals a lack of faith in God to handle it, along with an unwillingness to submit to God’s Word. Scripture urges to, “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you” (Proverbs 20:22).

With today’s quick demands for justice, God’s directions for those who have been wronged seems completely opposite to society’s methods, such as:

• “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them” (Luke 6:29).
• “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).
• “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

God’s ways may not seem fair to you but Scripture states, “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God” (1 Peter 2:19).

1 Peter 2:20 continues with, “But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”

Jesus suffered unjustly, being wrongly accused, ridiculed, beaten, and killed. He is the example of turning the other cheek and trusting God with the wrongs done to you.

As 1 Peter 2:21 points out, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

Reflect on today’s verse with us. Share your thoughts in the Your Daily Bible Verse discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Warren Wong

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