1 Peter 2:19-25 NIV — For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 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. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “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. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. “By his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Naturally, when we are mistreated by others, we want to defend ourselves or our loved ones. We want to retaliate. But, how should we respond as Christians? 

Just 4 weeks ago we celebrated Palm Sunday. From there we walked through Holy week with Jesus as we were humbled by the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday and saddened by His death on the cross on Good Friday. But then we rejoiced and celebrated on Easter Sunday. 

Today’s scripture reminds us that Jesus walked through Holy week for you and me. Jesus suffered for you and me. Jesus endured the nails in his hands and feet for my sins and your sins. Jesus was sinless and innocent, yet when He had insults hurled at Him and when He suffered, He did not retaliate. Instead He trusted God and as a result He set the ultimate example of grace for us. 

Grace—free, unmerited favor of God. 

We do not deserve it and we cannot earn it, yet God extends grace to us every day. Spend some time today in prayer about your response to others who have wronged you. Focus on the grace God extended to us at the cross and the grace He extends to us each day. How can you be an instrument of His grace today in your response to others who have treated you unfairly?

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your everlasting love and grace. Open my eyes to my response to others who have treated me unfairly. Teach me to be more like Christ in my actions and reactions. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.