“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:13-18

Dear Jesus, I clap my hands and praise you for loving the people who were torturing you, but then I shrink in fear and nurse a grudge when you let me suffer the slightest insult from another. I wonder what great damage their words and actions will cause me and it fills my mind with anxiety. This word from your Apostle Peter calms my worried soul. He tells me to commit myself to doing good, to speak graciously, and act lovingly toward even my enemies. Nothing can make me a victim unless I let it. I always am the protagonist when I am armed with your love. I always have something I can do. I can speak kindly to my persecutors, speak well of your name and leave lasting memories in their hearts to work on their repentance. I can use their sin against me to bring them to your Father, just like you did. Oh, Jesus, make me a champion of grace in the face of suffering for doing the right thing. Amen.

Even the greatest injustice can be turned into the greatest good when you follow Jesus’ lead.