So my original title was going to be “The Providence of God in Our Sanctification Through Enduring Being Wronged” but that seemed to be a mouthful, so I shorted it some.  Nevertheless, that’s what I want to look at today.  How do you respond when you are wronged?  What happens when things at work don’t go your way, when someone takes credit for your work, or a boss is being unreasonable?  Our emotions rise up within us, and can seemingly be overpowering.  How often have you said things in that moment, and later regretted it?  Have your words helped offer peace to a situation, or continued the escalation?  I must admit this is a struggle of mine both generally, and currently, so it’s to my benefit and hopefully our mutual edification to see what the Word of God has to say.

Ecclesiastes 10:4 – ^“If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.”

Proverbs 10:19 – “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

It’s funny how some of the world’s cliche’s are actually somewhat Biblical.  Have you ever heard the saying that if you don’t have something good to say, don’t say anything at all?  Obviously there are points where we need to give rebuke in a loving way, but these two books of wisdom, Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, are both giving instruction on how we can help diffuse situations, but mostly they give a picture of Christ, who although all sorts of false accusations were levied against Him, calmly responded to each situation, even as He was being led to the cross.  We have a unique opportunity when we are wronged, to show the surpassing worth of Christ, and our salvation through Him.  So then, if we are best to restrain ourselves when wronged, how then should we speak?

James 1:19 – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

I love James 1:19.  Not only does God give us instruction on how we should speak, but He explains why we are to struggle to that end – namely producing the righteousness of God, our own sanctification.  Does that make sense?  God actually allows you to be led into situations where people are going to wrong you, and speak falsely against you.  Why?  Because He loves you.  There is no greater good than God Himself.  There is no greater joy than knowing God.  When you find yourself in difficult situations, where your flesh is eager to respond in anger, remember that every moment of every day is an opportunity for your sanctification, a gift from God to reveal His glory, and produce righteousness in yourself and know Him even more.

Grace and Peace,
Adam