Tuesday’s readings: Matthew 5:38-48, Romans 12:9-21

1 Peter 2:21-23 - For you were called to this, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; when he was insulted, he did not insult in return but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.

Lord Jesus, when people hurt me, it is so easy for me to hurt back in the same way that they hurt me, even worse. I want to get even with them. I want to hurt them back. But that’s not the kind of life that I learn from you. You did the very opposite of what my nature would do. Teach me to follow your example. Help me learn from you. Help me learn to be like you when people insult me and false say all kinds of evil against me. Help me learn to keep my mouth closed, but instead find comfort and assurance in what you say about me. Their words may sting. Their words may ruin my reputation. But, Lord God, eternally and before you in heaven, their words have no standing. Your word has the final say-so. And Lord, when people hurt me, when they abuse me, teach me to trust you to handle things. It is not my responsibility to get justice. That belongs to you, Lord. Help me to trust you to get justice in the right way at the right time. You claim that right. And it rightly belongs you. Yes, Lord, justice does belong to you. Teach me to follow the example that Christ left me. Help me learn from him to keep my mouth closed and heart trusting you in the face of the harm that comes to me.