But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. So, when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers – Luke 22:32
The most beautiful people I have known are those who have known defeat, suffering, pain, struggle, even loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These people still have an appreciation, a sensitivity and understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and deep loving concern.
There are others who have known defeat, suffering, pain, and loss. They found their way out and feel everyone must go through what they went through. You sometimes hear these sad souls say things like, I really suffered while climbing up, so everyone else must also suffer”. I didn’t have it easy while growing up, why should anyone have it easy?
The fact that you were maltreated doesn’t mean you have to give that same treatment to someone else. You see, there is a tendency for the tortured to become the torturer. In my lifetime I have seen boys who saw their fathers abuse their mum, and these boys vowed never to do the same, but they grew up and did worse. That is why it is necessary that we purge ourselves daily, especially from the negative experiences that we go through, or else we will end up inflicting worse treatment on others.
As Jesus prayed for Simon, that he will in turn strengthen his brothers, after rising from the ashes, my prayer for you is that you would allow your negative experiences to make you better and not bitter. Use your experiences to give people hope rather than using it to oppress people.
The very thing that was done to you and you didn’t like it, don’t do it to others. That is what it means to love your neighbor as yourself.
