Me: Prodigal, what is on your nose?
Prodigal: Someone put this on me thinking it was funny but it hurt my feelings.
Me: Well sometimes we have to deal with mistreatment
Prodigal: I could use some encouragement in that area.
This is from the book Hope Again When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade by Charles Swindoll
Anybody can accept a reward graciously, and many people can even take punishment patiently when they have done something wrong. But how many people are equipped to handle mistreatment after they’ve done right? Only Christians are equipped to do that. That is what makes believers stand out. That’s our uniqueness. And, yes, there are occasions in life when we will be called for that very purpose. In the mystery of God’s sovereign plan, we will be singled out.
If you live for Christ In this world, then the day will come when you will be punished for doing right. In our country we do not see a lot of physical punishment but we do have a lot of emotionally punishment. You can be slandered, passive aggressiveness rules in your social circle. You are denied opportunity and even kindness because of doing what is right. Jesus had to handle this also, so look to Him as your encouragement during this time. Go to the gospel. It may not be what you want to deal with at the present time but you are not alone!
1 Corinthians 1:4
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
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