Trusting in God's Justice

But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2: 20 - 23

One of the concepts I've been wrestling with lately is submission. Like Farrell was talking about the other day, it's so difficult to trust and obey God - yet deep down, I know God is just, righteous, and ultimately right. God commands us at the same time to "submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right." (1 Peter 2:13-14). It is certainly a lot harder for me to obey those in human authority - often because I do not feel that they are particularly just or upright. To translate this command to a personal level, I think it is even harder for me to refrain from hurtling a comeback at someone who hurt my feelings - especially if it's something that happens repeatedly. I let my emotions take over, and I become desperate not to be taken advantage of again. While I certainly think that Christ wants us to protect ourselves from emotionally hurtful situations, He still asks us to not retaliate and instead entrust ourselves to him who judges justly. One of the hardest things for me to accept is that my concept of justice may be flawed. I need to trust that God is a just and merciful judge that is in control of all that is going on around me even when I think things in my life are unfair. Even more convicting is remembering Christ's mercy towards me - we are told that we should forgive individuals that sin up to 77 times against us because Christ forgave us and canceled our debts (Matthew 18:22 and the subsequent story of the unmerciful servant). He even state that this is something we were called to do, and I believe this is part of the command related to 1 Peter 2:12:

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Forgiveness and trusting God's mercy is certainly a difficult concept to grapple with, but I challenge you today to pray that understanding Christ's mercy toward yourself and accepting his justice will help you remain forgiving in your actions towards others.