A Wounded Warrior’s Response
Have you ever felt falsely accused? Perhaps your good intentions were misinterpreted. You thought you were helping; but your actions were not well received. Unaware, you are caught off-guard by the recipient’s negative reaction. How did this situation go so sideways? You feel like a wounded warrior. In A Wounded Warrior’s Response, we find an example to follow when faced with persecution.
Fighting a Spiritual Battle
When I think of a wounded warrior, I associate it with war. Even though we are not active-duty service members, the term can also apply to us spiritually. As believers in Jesus, we are in a spiritual battle. Satan has no greater aim than to destroy us. When attacked, we are shaken. Consequently, it is easy to be consumed by the pain of our wounds. We may want to fight back and protect our honor. But in the end, just two responses exist. We can grow better or grow bitter.
A Wounded Warrior’s Response
Jesus was also a wounded warrior. Before His crucifixion, He was beaten and shamed. False accusations were fired against Him. But how did He respond? He said nothing! He did not defend His honor or reputation.
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 2:23
Growing Better
I want Jesus to be my example. I want to grow better. So, I must put aside my pride, and respond in humility and grace. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9
Dear Jesus. Thank you for being my example. Help me to respond in love and grace when I feel falsely accused or persecuted. Please bring healing to wounded hearts and relationships. Amen.
Questions to Consider:
- How do you respond when treated unjustly? Share an example.
- How can you practically extend a blessing when you are wounded?
