Article February 22, 1993 Issue

On fire about injustice?

A Christlike response to injustice results in a healing outcome.

Patti Lane Stevens

Peter, an eager student of Christ Jesus, had great faith in the Master and followed his example by healing others. And his spiritual perceptiveness enabled him to recognize Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." But his impetuosity sometimes got him into trouble. The night before the crucifixion when Jesus' enemies came to take him away, Peter probably felt completely justified in doing what he did. He "smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear." Jesus' response? "He touched his ear, and healed him." Jesus' act of compassion rebuked Peter's show of passion.

Today, if we don't know what to do when an injustice or other wrong has occurred, or even if we think we do know what to do, it might be well to consider Jesus' example in this case. Consider what kinds of thoughts he was entertaining. Whereas Peter was apparently overcome with passion, fear, self-justification, revenge, Jesus entertained meekness, spiritual power, compassion, and love.

Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies. In an article called "Love Your Enemies" found in her Miscellaneous Writings, Mrs. Eddy says, "Love metes not out human justice, but divine mercy." She writes further, "To mete out human justice to those who persecute and despitefully use one, is not leaving all retribution to God and returning blessing for cursing."

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