Articles
Injured By A Friend!
As Christians, we must expect to be persecuted and ridiculed by those of this world. Jesus said: "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake" (Luke 21:17). This is not surprising - it was the very treatment that Jesus Himself received. "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18). Paul wrote: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).
The harsh treatment of the world is always hard to endure, but what is worse is when the mistreatment comes from those who claim to love us. Too often we are assailed by those closest to us - our own brethren.
David spoke of the terrible hurt he experienced from a friend. "For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it.- neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: but it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company" (Psalms 55:12-14).
Have you been hurt by someone close to you? Have you been betrayed by a brother in Christ? Have you been wronged by those who should have loved you and treated you with kindness and affection? Don't imagine that you are the first to be misused in this way. What you have experienced has been common to God's faithful people throughout the ages.
How shall we deal with this sort of painful "wound?" In the same context quoted above, David gives the answer. "As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice" (Psalms 55:16-17).
In the most difficult of times, continue to trust in God and serve him faithfully. Even when betrayed by a friend, maintain your confidence in Him. Remember, "your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).
