Why Do You Not Rather Suffer Injustice?

Why Do You Not Rather Suffer Injustice?

In this connection I have thought of Jesus’ words: “Strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matt. 7:14.

Suffering injustice for Jesus’ sake is part of the narrow way that leads to life.

The Corinthians had not found it. They demanded their right. They did not see the strait gate—giving up their rights— through which they had to go. They took the wrong way, ending up in darkness, so that they even sought justice from those who were least esteemed by the church. 1 Cor. 6:4.

It is our business (as many as serve the Lord) to find this narrow way and walk on it irrespective of what happens to us; only by serving (laying down our life) will we gain anything for time and eternity. By faith we know that irrespective of outward appearances, it will go well with us when we submit to God.

When, in the course of time, it happens that a person is offended by what another person has said or done, it becomes apparent that as soon as the person is offended, he is in darkness. He gets so wrapped up in demanding his own rights, or in the injustice the other person has committed, that he forgets the exhortation of the Word about rather suffering wrong, which will produce a fullness of heavenly riches for the soul.

But then the question arises: Is what the person did right? Let us say that it is not right; but in order to find a solution to it so I can get salvation out of it, I myself have to do what is right which, in this case, is to suffer unrighteousness, bear the others’ malice, bear my own and others’ burdens, and much, much more. Do this with all of your heart, and it will not be very long before you view such situations with completely different eyes. Note the following lines in a song: “Gladly bear the others’ burdens, make them happy with your life.” Also note what is written in Romans 8:35-39. You can rest assured that the kingdom that cannot be shaken is on the narrow way. Also note what is written in 1 Peter 4:12. Do not think it strange if anyone comes, even if they are from the church, and treats you unjustly, but find the narrow way; learn to love Jesus, He who found it in all situations. My right is with the Lord my God; that is the position we ought to take by faith.

If we had wisdom, we would also understand the necessity of staying together and being together so as to be able to serve one another—for that is necessary for our own salvation. For this reason alone, besides many others, we ought to watch and pray so we do not stumble and fight for our own right, but that we rather fight for the Lord and are willing to bear sufferings until it becomes the norm for us to enter into the sufferings when something is happening. In such situations we need faith and love. We must believe that it is God’s will for us to give up our own right and bear with those who treat us unjustly, and we must love God’s will more than our own right. “Not My will, but Yours, be done.” Yes, dear God, let Your will be done in me and in all of us. Amen.