Daniel 3:12
“There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods, nor do they worship the golden statue which you have set up.”
Daniel’s friends were serving God by serving the the king. God had given them favor. The king makes his idol which all are commanded to worship. The friends decide not to do so. Some jealous people tell on them. We will learn what happens soon. We will have people do evil to us. How are we to respond? With love and forgiveness.
I am at the end of a similar situation. Some people in my world have wronged me. I sought to right the situation, but it was ignored. I was surprised. I wrestled with unforgiveness. This was a big lesson. I would bring it to God and have to let it go and forgive. Then angry thoughts would creep back in and I would have to go through the process again. Then I learned about forgiving by faith. It was too much for me. I would expel the thoughts and say I forgive them and trust the Lord. I couldn’t think about it, but just forgave. I would then act kindly to them. I didn’t want to, but I had to. I would forgive and love.
It reminded me of some of the commands Jesus gave, to “turn the other cheek” or to “go the extra mile”. I was robbed but I was the one to forgive. I have to say it is empowering. The bitterness and anger were too much. It eats away at us. It didn’t seem possible to escape them. But it’s true. Romans 6:18 says, “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” I’ve been freed from the power of the sin of bitterness.
It’s easy to become embittered when we’ve been wronged. God doesn’t want us to go there. Romans 8:28 tells us what He will do. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” We might not see it in the moment, but He will do it. This is another thing that we are to accept by faith. I am trusting Him with my situation. I don’t see it, but know it will happen. I feel it.
Thank You, Lord. Even though we have been unjustly treated, You’ve got us. We can ignore the results of the injustice and praise You. We can forgive and walk on knowing You’ve got us. Thank You, Lord.