Meditation

Read 1Peter 2:18-24

When they hurled their insults at [Christ], he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.—1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)

Recently I left a job in which I was treated unfairly by the management. Prior to my leaving, I received information that could cause strife for the leaders of the organization. I struggled with my desire to use this information to repay them for the wrong they had done me. During this time, I read about the death of Jesus and his response to those who put him on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This made me ask myself, If Jesus could forgive and have understanding toward those who persecuted him, how much more should I extend the same response to those who treated me unfairly? Once I looked at my situation from that perspective, my desire for revenge disappeared. My situation seemed trivial when compared to that of Jesus, and yet Jesus had responded with compassion and understanding for his enemies.

Following Jesus’ example, I made up my mind to forgive, and I began to feel peace about my situation. I no longer felt weighed down by the desire for revenge. This lesson taught me to view my own experiences through the eyes of our Savior and to seek his example for how to respond.

Prayer—Dear heavenly Father, when we are tempted to seek revenge, help us to see the world through your eyes and to follow your Son’s example. Amen.

Thought for the Day—Jesus is the ultimate example of forgiveness.

—Heidi Kling-Newnam, Pennsylvania