In the world, in the workplace, in our relationships — these days we can be treated as if we are evil when we stand firm for what is right. Refuse to participate in fraudulent or deceitful or unfair activities that your coworkers choose because they are seemingly profitable for the moment — and you might quickly be branded as the problem in the room. Offer suggestions that might lead to improvements and you might be branded as over bearing or a know it all purely because of people’s resistance to change and their unwillingness to consider something new unless it can be spun as being “their idea” and not your own. But do not give up hope. Don’t seek the honor or approval of men, but fear God and do what is right – God in heaven sees everything and all things that are hidden will be brought to light.
And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless! – Ecclesiastes 8:14 NLT
When people curse you and hate you for doing what is right, when they try to undermine you and spread lies about you and damage your reputation in am effort to lift themselves up by pushing others down, forgive them and pray for them. There may have been a time that you did the same yourself. Don’t deny them the very love and forgiveness you seek for yourself – it may be your example of undeserved love in return for their evil towards you that makes them consider the cross and repent.
What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. – Isaiah 5:20 NLT
Harold J. Ballinger 