It is so easy to get people offended these days - whether it's a neighbourhood spat, an episode of bullying or someone just doing the wrong thing, stealing or lying. There seem to be more protestors on the street than ever before and it seems that there are laws coming up that almost dictate morality. People feel entitled and rather than making an effort to connect and honour others, and we are choosing to send emails or texts rather than simply talking face to face.
I have had a bit of an ongoing issue recently with someone taking me for a ride and wanting to claim $40K over a flooded washing machine in a rental property. Needless to say, the washing machine is not mine. It is all coming to a climax in a little over a week with a court hearing - that realistically could go either way. It seems so unfair, and the stakes feel pretty high.
As a Christian, I am wondering how I need to respond to the situation - with forgiveness, compassion and understanding of some sort, but also with conviction and holding fast to the truth and what is right. How do I navigate such a personal injustice without getting overly angry and giving God the honour in the process? Its a good question.
My other question in all of this is around how much of this is a physical battle of sorts and how much is spiritual?
Ephesians 6: 12-13
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
James 1: 2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Matt 5: 8-12
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “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.
I don't want to overly spiritualise things but I can't help but feel that there is a spiritual element to all this somehow. And how I respond matters - it matters to God and it has ramifications for me. I beleive prayer changes things - our spoken words are powerful; they hold the power of life and death. We have been given authority to loose and bind, to bless and to curse. Who we are and how we carry ourselves speaks volumes in such situations as well.
One of my favourite speakers - and a father of the faith, Bill Johnson, once said that it is often on the other side of offense that we find promotion or blessing or breakthrough of some kind. That in the spirit world, there is payback for what is lost. I surely am hoping for that for myself, and I have others pray for me in that regard too... Hopefully though, I won't be losing too much in this court hearing.
Proverbs 6:30-31
People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.
Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.
I do believe if nothing else, navigating such offense with perspective and poise is character building and helps us to attract honour in life and to navigate other conflict or criticism - for that is one thing we can be sure of. The choices that we make in such times can cultivate wisdom and grace or we can become bitter and a little twisted. I know in my preparation for the hearing, I am wanting to be as prepared as I can be - there is a lot at stake after all. In it all, though, I know I became almost a little controlling - and I have to let it go; I need to surrender the outcome to God in the midst of a detailed preparation and to try to see things from His perspective somewhat. He is my ultimate defender and the bearer of true justice - regardless of the outcome of the hearing.
Comments