“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
– Romans 12:18,19
How do you feel about your boss? I’m guessing that a few of you have really inspiring, fair, and life-giving bosses, and from one who’s had that experience, I can confer with you that there is nothing better! When you work at a job with people you love in the service of an organization that is inspiring, you are blessed more than many. But what if the opposite it true? How do you handle it if you have authoritarian figures in your life who take advantage of their position and attempt to keep you from carrying out your responsibilities? I’ve had this experience as well. As hard as we may try to get along with everyone and keep the same attitude that the Apostle Paul advised in Romans 12, there are some people who will continue to obstruct us for no reason. Although the tendency in this case is to retaliate or play games in return, the blessing of being secure in Jesus is that we can rest in knowing that He will take care of us. Better yet, when we make a choice to love these kinds of people and even to pray for them, we begin to see them through God’s eyes. Then, rather than being angry, we develop compassion, pity, and even grace for the ones who attempt to harm us because we understand that they are hurting the most! Friend, part of living a life of avodah — work, worship, and service — is letting go of the offense and anger you harbor when people treat you unfairly. In fact, those things can weigh you down and quickly rob you of the joy that Jesus purchased for you on the cross! Though it won’t be easy, because you are His disciple, you have the gift of surrender; you can lay offenses at His feet, knowing that He loves you as His child and that He will ultimately bring you to the best possible outcome! Isn’t that great news? |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for setting me free from the weight of bitterness and resentment. Even when someone offends me, I will trust in your goodness.
Reflection
Is there an authority figure in your life right now who is attempting to obstruct you? Take a moment to pray for them and give Jesus that burden.
2 Responses
Thank you for this and it is helpful to me today. My daughter is also going thru this type of offense in her work and I am praying for her. She gets down when these things happen with people that try and move her to their point to view. In fact it is someone who does sales in a different line of work which is not close to how her work is done. She sticks to requirements and is a personable but exact person in what she does. He became rude and distrustful. His thinking was not right. In Sales you must follow the Guidelines of what is to help follow thru for the outcome to be decided. This is what happens some time. She is supported by the people around her to help.
Thank you so much this also has helped me in a situation. I do listen to your sermon. The Lord has led me to a Church close by my daughters that I really love.
You are a brightness in a corner of the lives that you give ministry to many. thank you for your ministry.
Thank you for sharing this, Jane! We are so glad that you were encouraged by this devotion and we are happy that you have gotten plugged into a local church. God loves you and so do we!