One type of pressure we all face is injustice. God has given us an innate sense of right and wrong, so when we experience injustice, it stirs strong emotions. The challenge is handling it correctly so we don't lose sight of our goals to live for God and share Christ with others.
It's important to remember that God's patience with injustice in the world now doesn't mean He tolerates it. There will be a day when He makes everything right. In the meantime, injustice will happen because we live in a broken world with broken people.
James warns that God will bring consequences to those who are unjust, especially those who use wealth and power to take advantage of others. He hears the cries of those who have been mistreated. While good people should step up to address large-scale injustices, James focuses on the everyday wrongdoings between individuals that we must navigate.
When someone wrongs us, we want them to pay. But trying to get revenge only makes things worse. Instead, we must let God deal with it and say, "Enough." Just as Jesus bridged the gap between us and God, we can stop the cycle of retaliation and allow for possible reconciliation.
So, how do we handle the pressure of injustice? James gives four key ways:
While waiting on God amid injustice, we may be tempted to look to others to rescue us, escape through unhealthy means, try to fix it ourselves or get discouraged to the point of giving up. But God wants us to turn to Him so He can train us to be stronger and transform us to be more like Christ. That's His purpose in allowing us to go through pressures.
Remember, the pain and pressure we experience in life have a purpose. Look to God first and let Him grow and change you through it. Trust Him to deal with injustice in His perfect way and time. Let's pray for a great turnout next week to celebrate our risen Savior!