Some Won't Like the Advice
by Randall Murphree
October 12, 2004
(AgapePress) - Some won't like his advice in How to Respond When You Feel Mistreated, but John Bevere takes it all pretty much straight from the Bible. That makes it hard to argue with.First of all, he makes the case that, indeed, God does give us directions on how to respond when we've been wronged. Also, again and again he holds up Jesus as the example. Already, you can tell that this little book (Thomas Nelson, 2004) could get uncomfortable in a hurry. Our culture would have us believe that to thrive or even survive, we have to stick up for ourselves, demand our rights, insist on fair treatment for ourselves. Not so, says Bevere.
He gives three main reasons why God tells us not to seek revenge or defend ourselves from unfair treatment. First of all, that kind of response allows God to work His righteous judgment in His time. Second, we put ourselves in line for a blessing from God. And third, it develops the character and maturity of Christ in us. Who wouldn't want those results?
One of the most practical things Bevere says in the entire book is a lesson he says he's learned over the years: "When you get in a crisis or situation where you have been mistreated, don't do anything until you sleep on it. If you are not hearing from God while you are awake, He'll talk to you during your sleep."
Scripturally, Bevere depends heavily upon Jesus' own teachings and on the book of 1 Peter. For example, Bevere writes, "If anyone in the history of the world ever had reasons to 'stand up for himself' and make sure the judge knew what a raw deal he had received, it was Jesus." But He didn't do that. In fact, Mark 15:3 tells us that, as Jesus stood before Pilate, "... the chief priests accused Him of many things, about He answered nothing."
That's one of those teachings we don't want to dwell on, but Bevere makes the most of this little 97-page volume to encourage and challenge us to reevaluate the principles of culture and look again at the person of Christ.
The author extrapolates on the teaching in Proverbs 25:21-22: "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink."
The lesson in that passage, says Bevere, is that when our human nature wants to get even with someone who's hurt or mistreated us, we need to respond with kindness. He suggests these less than savory scenarios: "If he's thirsty, make a pitcher of iced tea. If he's broke, write out a check. If she cuts you off in traffic, smile and drive on."
He tackles the sometimes sticky issue of authority and acknowledges that while Scripture teaches us to be subject to authority, there are sometimes uses of authority that make it illegitimate. With careful steps and clear truths, he leads readers through the minefields where ungodly or illegitimate authority threaten.
In chapter six, Bevere coins a new beatitude -- "Blessed are the mistreated." It is here that he bases his teaching on Peter's letter, e.g. this admonition from 1 Peter 3:9: "Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing."
He repeatedly emphasizes that God promises blessing for obedience in this area of our lives. A closed mouth, a quiet spirit, and a kind act are what He desires from us. Bevere's final challenge includes these two questions among others: Will you trust God enough to obey Him? Will you be one of the faithful?
Randall Murphree, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is editor of AFA Journal, a monthly publication of the American Family Association.
