Conversation was the peace code established yesterday. When things are unclear, ask questions. By engaging in conversation, you can avoid a lot of quarrels. This must be the reason why Jesus taught us to approach those who we perceived might have offended us. However, what happens when you are not in a position to hold such conversations? What do you do when you have been maligned, and the maligner is out of reach for whatever reason? Such situations will be an opportunity to test your tolerance level. A quote by an unknown author said: “Your greatest test will be how you handle people who mishandled you”. Our natural inclination is to pay people back in their own coin. Where this is not feasible, we are tempted to resort to grudges.

When things are unclear, ask questions. By engaging in conversation, you can avoid a lot of quarrels… Our new life is in Christ, and it is supernatural…we must outgrow tit-for-tat in dealing with those negatively disposed to us…Scriptural handling of mishandling can lead to great blessing.

How we must remember that the life we are called to live is no longer natural. Our new life is in Christ, and it is supernatural. Hence, we must outgrow tit-for-tat in dealing with those negatively disposed to us. Jesus taught two ways of responding to maltreatment. Firstly, we are to rejoice! “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:12 NKJV. All the holy prophets of God were mishandled. We enter their class when we encounter similar treatment. On a different note, rejoice in anticipation of the great reward that is reserved in heaven for those who endured maltreatment. Secondly, a believer should respond to unjust treatment with prayer. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” Matthew 5:44 NKJV. Scriptural handling of mishandling can lead to great blessing.