Bent Out of Shape

All of us face injustice and mistreatment during our lives, in small ways and sometimes in large ways. As a Christian I understand how God uses these things to strengthen and mature us. But I can still get “bent out of shape” when someone mistreats me.

When this happens, I know that my only hope for getting “unbent” is to meditate on the attitude of Christ.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who being in very nature God…made himself nothing…humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:5-8

• Being pure goodness, Jesus was called the Devil (Mark 3:20-22).
• Being pure love, He was hated (John 15:18).
• Being God, He became our servant (Philippians 2:5-8).
• Being blameless, He took our blame (Romans 5:9).
• Being sinless, He died for our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).

These things are far beyond any mistreatment any human being has ever suffered. And Christ suffered them completely for our benefit. 

When I get bent out of shape, it helps me to remember what Christ has done (Hebrews 12:1-3). It doesn't make it easy, but it helps me “bend” my thinking back in the right direction. 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2

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See 5 Things To Do When Someone Mistreats You and Don't Pull the Victim Card—It'll Ruin Your Life.

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