And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted… – 2 Thessalonians 1: 5-6

Growing up, one of my favorite movies was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder. I just loved his style of humor. And my favorite parts were when the naughty kids overindulged themselves while on the tour of the factory.

As soon as they got out of line, Willy would dryly and casually say, “Stop. Don’t. Come Back.”

He never showed any signs of agitation, offense, or anger because he knew what each child’s fate would be.

He knew they would be kicked out of the factory and would be disqualified from inheriting his enterprise.

And just like those naughty children, when people sin against us and persecute us without mercy or repentance when we’ve dedicated our lives to Jesus, they too are subjecting themselves to an ill fate.

Because the God we serve is a just God.

We don’t have to fight back when people do us harm because God is standing right behind us, ready to serve a blow infinitely worse than what we could ever inflict.

And we don’t have to spend too much time nursing hurt feelings or being upset.

Whenever someone offends us, we should take the attitude of Willy Wonka and think “Stop. Don’t. You shouldn’t do this…”

Then we should pray for that person because they’ve shown with their behavior that they don’t know God.

And we know the fate of all those who reject God. They don’t inherit His Kingdom. 

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, help me to never retaliate when someone sins against me. Help me to not get angry or feel deeply hurt when someone chooses to treat me poorly. Rather, help me to understand that you will reward my endurance and pay back all those who refuse to repent. Give me a spirit that prays for those who mean me harm. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.