I have many people that I consider friends that are my equals. I am also, however, leery of those “friends” based on the treatment I receive from them.
“12For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. 13But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.” – Psalm 55:12-13 (ESV)
I feel as though I am not treated kindly. I feel as though I am not treated fairly. I feel as though I am the one doing it wrong. But, when I read God’s Word each morning, I get the sense that I am only following the Lord and I am being persecuted for simply doing things differently from those around me. I have been been loving those around me and being rejected, for doing since they may simply not understand someone loving with no expectation of reciprocation.
I wonder regularly what I have done to deserve treatment as such and then I feel like it is not me but those and that I should continue with my actions from love. It is HARD to continue doing when persecution is where friendship should be.
“14We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.” – Psalm 55:14 (ESV)
I have to stay firm in my faith and remember that my counsel with God is far more important that the counsel of those around me. I am indebted to the Lord and not those around me. Those around me are those I am charged with reaching for God. I have to remember that they will not be receptive to that which is foreign to them and that causes them to revolt. I have to remember that God will only place me in situations He knows I can handle and will remove that which is of no use or good to me. Therefore, the persecution I get from my “friends” must be that which is there to make me stronger.
Do you find yourself persecuted? How much comes from your “friends” or those close to you? Think about your equals, and are the somehow your enemy as well?
Trevor's Thoughts 