The specifics don't matter; just know I experienced an injustice a while back which still nags at my mind. In the scheme of life it truly was a minor infraction, one I'm sure the offender didn't even notice. Yet I noticed, and for the first few weeks I sulked, pouted, raged, and even cried a little at the unfairness of it all.  I'm not sure why I let it bother me so, but every time I turned around (or so it seemed) I was reminded that things weren't as they should be. 

     God kept telling me to learn from it, that He is much bigger than what's going on around me,that He has a plan which can incorporate even injustices such as this, that He Himself knows what it is like to be treated badly.  And so, I've written the following in my journal and share it here today as a reminder to myself.

Jesus said, "If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."  (Matthew 5:39)

When I've been treated badly or unfairly by others and I'm tempted to retaliate, speak sharply, sulk, or harbor ill feelings; when forgiveness on my part is not readily forthcoming, I must remember:

I have absolutely no control over the actions of others. I do have and can control my response, and I will be held accountable for it.

There's something very freeing about that.

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)