Living With Purpose
A friend of mine contacted me and commenced to unload her penned up emotions and feelings about how she was treated at work. She was feeling defeated, dejected, and was spiraling into the darkness of pain and despair. “It’s so unfair!” she said, “To have things said about me that are untrue is really hurtful. I try to treat people right and mind my own business, but people have it out to get me. Sometimes I think it’s not worth the trouble of trying to do the right thing.”
“If you know who’s spreading the gossip, have you tried talking to them? Maybe you could talk to your supervisor if it’s affecting your work performance,” I suggested.
“I know who it is and I’ve talked to my boss and they tell me there’s nothing they can do because it’s hearsay. So, I’m stuck dealing with being talked down to and disrespected.”
As she talked, the Spirit reminded me of a Scripture passage found in Luke 6:28: “Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” I explained to her this scenario happens all too often to people, especially those who are honestly seeking to live a Christian life. The devil orchestrates the plan to use people and circumstances to discourage our faith. Some people put others down because of jealously, insecurities, and other selfish reasons. During these times we must remind ourselves of the gospel. We must talk to our soul. Much like the psalmist did in Psalm 42:5-6, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!”
The writer of Psalm was so upset about the loss of God’s presence and his mistreatment at the hands of enemies. And he found himself in a place where his soul was very troubled, and where the only medicine strong enough was the truth. He needed to be reminded that God was his faithful Savior, so he preached this truth to his own heart.
We need to speak to our hearts because we need to hear the truth of the gospel every day. We are weak, and life is tough. God loves us and we need to remind ourselves we’re not alone in our troubles when we call upon God. God’s presence and His love are not based on what a person has said about you at your workplace. God’s love is based on what His Son Christ has done for you. Be of good cheer! Talk to your own soul. Encourage yourself with God’s love.
When someone hurts you with lies, untruth, or treats you with disrespect, don’t try to get even, take the high road and do the following:
CONSIDER THE SOURCE. Some hurt others because of ignorance or frustration, or possibly from some unfortunate experience in their past. Others deliberately and maliciously injure others because of satanic dominion in their lives. Consider your source—God is the Christian’s fount of strength. Understanding and compassion will often heal your hurt. Pray earnestly for and forgive your offender.
CONSIDER THE SPIRIT. Many hurt others unintentionally, unaware of the impact of their words or actions. Contrarily, some try to lift self-esteem by putting others down, or hurt others to get even. Consider your Spirit—always give others the benefit of the doubt. If someone hurts you without intent and awareness, then quickly forgive and try to forget. If the injury was deliberate, pray for your offender. Forgive them. Love them; despite it. It’s the only true way to overcome it without it overcoming you with bitterness and resentment. Remember it’s their problem; don’t make it yours. Keep a good spirit—God’s Holy Spirit. Remember , also, the words of 1 Peter 4:14: “So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.”
CONSIDER THE SOLACE. There is no solace from God for those who deliberately and maliciously injure His children. God will make recompense. Consider your solace—“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Continue to love, forgive, and pray for those who despitefully use you. God is your solace, and you are more than a conqueror through Him.
Validate the fact you’re a Child of God by repeatedly telling yourself that you are. Say, “I’m a Child of God. I’m a Child of God—fearfully and wonderfully made!” And for this reason, you can overcome anything the devil seems to throw at you. Evil would not want anything better than for you to cower in self-pity or lash out in anger. You are better than that! Choose to possess a bigger heart and one with an extra dose of courage. Consider the source, consider the Spirit, and consider the solace. Pray for yourself that your soul would find hope and rest in God, not dejection and turmoil in circumstances.
• This bi-weekly column is written by Matthew Dobson. He’s the author of the following books: “Living With Purpose (Volume’s I, II, III, and IV)”; “Loving Others With Purpose” and “Running With Purpose”; He can be reached by email: rmdobson@liberty.edu.
