When we are treated unjustly by someone, we must know God will surely take account. God will judge; He is a just Judge who will not let injustice continue forever. As God’s precious ones, we are protected and defended by Him. Unjust treatment should be accepted as God’s way of breaking our pride. Some people are often treated unfairly or blamed, though innocent. Such people are actually special, because God is shaping their inner life. Think of many wives who suffer unfair treatment from their husbands — let the Holy Spirit help us.
Those who treat others unjustly often feel free to do as they please because they have power or authority. We cannot change people; not even God can change those who truly refuse to change. There are many wicked people, and we must be firm toward what is wrong — to rebuke or warn — but we must not act arbitrarily. Often, when a mother is upset with her boss, she vents on the maid, the children, or her husband. Likewise, an angry husband may take it out on his wife.
When Jesus was a captive, He was also treated unjustly by His enemies, both His own people (the Jews) and the Gentile Roman soldiers. Yet He accepted it without retaliation. Prayer even flowed from His lips: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). How wonderful if we can enter that realm — the realm of true freedom. If we are pressed with a ten-kilogram load and remain strong, God may allow us to bear a heavier burden. At a certain point, we need no longer be tested by small things, because we will face larger matters, even opposition to the Gospel — people who, with political power, money, and law, discriminate against us. The training begins by facing those around us first.
We can enter the willingness to be treated unfairly when we sit quietly at the Lord’s feet, reflecting: what do we gain by fighting, and what do we lose by remaining silent? There is an advantage in silence, because God teaches us to offer the left cheek when the right cheek is struck. This advice is irrational from a human perspective. But when God teaches, He also gives the ability to do it. Through life’s process, we remember what Jesus said: “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart”; “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened.” Do not desire always to be honored, to be treated fairly, or to demand your rights.
God’s Word also says, “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; and whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matt. 5:39–41). This is a figurative way of saying we do not retaliate when treated unjustly. Romans 12:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, and Hebrews 10:30 also teach us not to repay evil with evil. When we long to change and sit quietly at the Lord’s feet, it may seem we lose our personality or self-assertion. But it is in this way that we are completely transformed. Conversely, if we seldom pray, do not fellowship with God-fearing people, and ignore the Word, our ego will revive.
Let us bring every injustice we receive honestly and openly before the Lord. God will bind up our hearts. Truth must be practiced, not merely proclaimed. Remember Joseph’s story, who eventually succeeded. Preach through deeds, not only words. Our attitude must change, for people read our attitudes and words. If we fail and fail again, do not give up or despair. When we say we want to learn meekness, we will face those who betray, stab, and strike from behind. There is no healing of the soul without process; therefore, we must first confront problems, and only then can we learn and be transformed.