What To Do When Mistreated
Our faith is truly countercultural. For example, when you are mistreated, how do you respond?
If it is to stand up and vigorously and vocally defend yourself, you are acting as the world expects you to respond. You exhibit emotions of anger and demand that you be given a public apology. Is that the Christian way to respond? Apparently not according to today’s readings.
Paul and companions were mistreated. They were beaten with rods and placed in jail, all without a trial. As Romans this is a serious breach of their rights as citizens. They could have voiced many objections, complained to their jailor, threatened the people who mistreated them. Many things they could have done. But according to the readings they accepted what had happened and with joy and thanksgiving gave praise to God and sang hymns of praise. Not exactly what you would expect.
As a Christian we need to remember, we are always being evaluated by others. What we say, how we act, and how we live our lives all demonstrate to others the life of a Christian. Remember that old saying, they will know we are Christians by our love?
Which example above demonstrates true Christian philosophy? As Paul discovered, the jailor and his family were converted and baptized. These conversions would not have happened if Paul and companions were not acting as Christians. How do you plan to respond today?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen