The Least of These预览

How should we live if we are oppressed or experience discrimination?

Even when we are under someone’s authority and are being oppressed, we must recognize that God values us highly and works for those over us just as if they were God Himself.

1 Peter 2:18-19 says,

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.

This passage goes on to give us the example Christ left so that we would follow in His footsteps when we are suffering; verses 22-23,

He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. 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.

When someone treats us unjustly or with arrogance, they are responsible for their actions, and God will eventually make it all right. But if we lash out or try to retaliate, then we become the losers. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

and in Matthew 5:11-12,

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

In Christ’s strength, we can rejoice when we are mistreated, and Jesus said when these things happen, we are actually blessed; that word in Greek means “happy and to be envied.”

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil. Luke 6:20-22

In Luke 6:29-31, Jesus said,

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. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Then in verses 32-36,

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Reflection: Do you really believe that you are valued, treasured, and loved by God? It may be difficult to grasp when you are being mistreated and put down and side-lined and discriminated against. Meditate on this magnificent passage from Romans 8:31-36,

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Since God is FOR YOU, trust in His provision and justice; dig deep to find the joy and peace that comes to those who have placed their faith in His Son.