Those Who Treat You Badly

When someone treats you badly, as people do, how do you feel toward them? Angry, bitter, vengeful? Sure, you know that you're far better forgiving them … but that ain't easy. Elizabeth Elliot was a missionary, author, and speaker who inspired millions. In 1956, her husband Jim was speared to death by the very tribe in Ecuador that he was trying to reach with the Gospel. Most would've turned away in grief or anger. But Elizabeth, with her young daughter, returned to live among that tribe. She forgave them, loved them, and shared Christ with them. Many came to faith, including the very men who'd killed her husband. Reflecting on her response to that tragedy, she said, "Leave it all in the hands that were wounded for you." In other words, Jesus. That just takes my breath away. And yet, that's exactly the sort of response that God calls us to, toward people who treat us badly. Romans 12:14 Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them. Just let that sink in. God's calling us here not merely to forgive those who treat us badly, but to wish only good for them. Not merely to give up our desire, even our right, to curse them, to punish them, to exact our revenge, but to pray that God would bless them. Who is it that's treated you badly of late? Will you take God's powerful word to heart here? Will you start hoping only good for them? Will you pray for God to bless them? Hey, will you step up to the plate to bless them yourself? Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them. That's His Word. Fresh … for you … today.