When people reject our kind words or good actions, we can become offended and angry with them, but this is not what Jesus wants us to do. He wants us to leave behind the hurt feelings caused by our trials. By doing this we shake off the “dust” of resentment that can cling to our soul after we experience persecution for our beliefs. We leave behind all those things that could keep us from being Christ-like toward those who reject our gospel message. In this way, we do not take out our frustrations or waste energy on those who oppose us, but rather leave everything in God’s hands. It can be difficult to let go and let God, to release our anger or annoyance with someone else and let God do the judging and the punishing, but it is necessary. We don’t need to carry extra baggage of resentment around with us. Instead, we should use these moments of strife to practice trusting in God’s Mercy and Justice.
How do we handle rejection and persecution? What can we do to be more Christ-like to those who hurt us? Are we willing and able to shake off the dust of our past encounters so we can focus on those we are with now and will meet in the future?
O Lord, give us the strength and wisdom to shake the dust off our feet and let you be the judge, not us.
Amen.
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