I sometimes think that I have been mistreated. When someone says something to me that I feel is unfair, I immediately want to say something back. At the time, it seems to me that I would feel much better if I told the person how unfair they are.

But I’ve long since learned that what I may feel like saying is usually the wrong thing to say. If I should strike back at someone with, “You’re wrong!” they would immediately “circle the wagons” around themselves and prepare for their own defense. Behind their barrier they would launch their “arrows.”  They would find more things to say to me that would no doubt seem even more unfair. I would end up being more hurt or angrier than ever.

So, I have learned a better reaction to whatever people say or do to me.

God places no barriers around me that could keep anyone in the world from saying anything to me that they desire to say. He permits a few people to write ugly, nasty letters to me in which they express all kinds of bitterness and resentment. The only promise God gives to me in that regard is that He will help me to decide how I will react to whatever anyone says or does to me. In the past when I felt mistreated, I too often elected to react with hurt and anger. Gradually I have grown to understand that it was I who made the decision.  It’s my own fault when I permit others to control how I feel.

So, it’s been fun learning how to react – with inward satisfaction in many situations. When people say or write things that tend to wound me, I quickly think, “God, You are going to use that to help me!” Sometimes I need to say the same words over and over until my confidence builds. The stronger my confession becomes, the better I feel. I end up being helped instead of being hurt. At times I sense a spirit of jubilation stirring within me as though I’m discovering something that is incredibly powerful.

I strongly recommend the above way of living. The potential rewards are endless. We draw closer to God as we find our joy and peace in Him. We become more fruitful in our work for Him. This strengthens us for further service in building His kingdom. (Reprint from October 1989)