Being treated like trash happens, it is part of life. The impact of being mistreated can take two very different paths.
It depends on how we respond to our personal injustice. How we respond can determine the trajectory of who were becoming.In the previous blog we saw where taking the very commonly used path of retaliation and isolation can lead and it’s not pretty.
If we chose this well rationalized perspective we unintentionally build our own trash heap out of our pain and disappointment. In the end of the day none of us really want that. There is a better way! Choose a different path.
Trusting your wrongs to God and not retaliating
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Romans 12:17
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. 1 Peter 2:23
As Lincoln said, “The truth is generally the best vindication of slander.”
Pursue peace by forgiving and showing kindness
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
In our age of efficiency don’t be efficient with kindness even toward those who have wronged you. (Ephesians 4:32)
Think about your words ‘before’ you use them. James 1:19; 3:2-6 Words have the power to separate, slander and destroy or encourage. People remember the words you use. We’re all influenced by the cultural overload of cynical and sarcastic words. Think about emails you’ve been shown or received. Some of those emails have cost people their jobs.
In contrast we can speak words of healing. A soft answer turns away wrath…the heart of the righteous weigh its answers. Proverbs 15:1,28
Be aware of our own weaknesses
We all have blind spots. People point them out to us. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. 1 Corinthians 12:12
All of us can learn something from our mistakes. As the Apostle Paul told young Timothy, “keep close attention to all you do and say.” I Timothy 4:16 Speak less, listen more and seek to understand.
Trash comes from people and it will likely come our way like it or not. Maybe you’ve unintentionally stored up a trash heap from your unjust pain and haven’t been able to get rid of it? If so, quit digging in it and handling out shovels. Give up the ball and chain. Isn’t it time to take out your trash?
God is the great trash collector and He is willing take your trash!
Though our pain and disappointment varies we can all ask God to take our trash, our sin, our dilemma and heal us and help us to be free and more alive. Maybe that includes asking someone to forgive you?
As Joseph told his brothers who sold him into slavery,”You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Gen. 50:21
You never know how God will use your times of being treated like trash. As the great Israeli violinist Itzhak Perlman said, “Make music out of what is left.” Will you do that?
Your comments and thoughts are always appreciated.
