Principles to remember when life seems unfair
Understanding the pain of unfairness
Life can often feel like a cruel and unjust journey, filled with disappointments, hardships, and situations that seem entirely unfair. Whether it’s a job loss, a broken relationship, a health crisis, or any other challenge, the sting of unfairness can leave us feeling angry, bitter, and hopeless. It’s a natural human response to question why bad things happen to good people and to struggle with accepting the harsh realities of life.
However, it’s important to recognize that these feelings of unfairness, while valid, can also become a trap that prevents us from moving forward. Dwelling on the injustices of the world can consume our thoughts and emotions, robbing us of the joy and purpose that life has to offer. It’s during these times that turning to our faith can provide the strength and guidance we need to navigate through the storms of unfairness.
The importance of faith in difficult times
Faith plays a crucial role in helping us cope with the unfairness of life. It serves as an anchor, reminding us that there is a greater plan at work, even when we cannot see it clearly. The Bible teaches us that our understanding is limited, and that God’s ways are higher than our own (Isaiah 55:9). By trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty, we can find solace in knowing that even the most difficult circumstances have a purpose.
Moreover, faith provides us with a source of hope and encouragement. The Scriptures are filled with promises of God’s love, protection, and provision, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. As we cling to these promises, our hearts can be strengthened, and our minds can be renewed, enabling us to face life’s unfairness with courage and resilience.
Learn from the example of the Apostle Paul
This topic teaches us what to do when life seems unfair. Acts 24 & 25 show us how biased the situation of Paul was.
He was accused of crimes he did not commit. If you read through Acts chapters 24 & 25, one of the themes of the two chapters is the unfair treatment of the world towards Christians.
Remember that life will always be unfair, whether you’re a believer or not. However, it is essential to understand that the unfair treatment that believers experience is because of our faith in Christ.
18If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
John 15:18-21
Your family, neighbors, workmates, and friends can become unfair toward you because of your faith. But as Christians, we need to respond with grace, as we can see through the example of the apostle Paul. He exemplified these 4 Important principles even when life seems unfair.
Related Topic: Paul’s Thorn In The Flesh
keep your integrity.
24And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 25He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
Acts 24:25-26
Paul was kept in prison because of a false accusation. While he was in jail, Felix regularly talked to Paul not to hear the gospel, but he was hoping that Paul would give him money in exchange for his freedom.
Whether Paul had the money or not, he never succumbed to the temptation of exchanging his freedom for money. The issue here was never about Paul’s freedom since Paul was innocent. The point here was about integrity.
Integrity is who you are when no one is watching.
Edifying the saints
Even when the world mistreats us, we must keep our integrity. Notice that Paul had already preached the gospel and taught Felix about the Lord Jesus Christ. It would have been hypocritical for Paul to preach the gospel and bribe Felix.
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Philippians 1:27
keep on praying.
In his prison letters, he often mentions his prayers for the churches and particular people within those churches. Notice what he says in his prison epistles.
3I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Philippians 1:3-4
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Colossians 1:3
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
Philemon 1:4
I’m sure that Paul is praying for his release from prison. But most of Paul’s prayers recorded in the scriptures are for other people. He only asked the church to pray for his preaching of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Even when life is unfair, we need to keep on praying not only for ourselves but also for others.
Of course, Paul also prayed for himself when he asked the Lord Jesus Christ to rid him of his thorn in the flesh. But most of his prayers recorded in the Scriptures are for others.
Related Topic: The Privilege Of Prayer
keep on encouraging.
Paul had every reason to complain in his letter to the Philippians. But his letter is filled with rejoicing.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4
There are times when Paul had to mention his sufferings in his epistles to the churches. He does this not to focus the attention on him but to encourage the people and to be an example to them. Therefore, he could tell the Philippians not to be complainers.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Philippians 2:14
Who in the church of Philippi could complain when Paul himself refused to complain?
5And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. 6And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
Numbers 21:5-6
Christians who are complainers usually have no direction in life. They wander around just like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness.
These people are ungrateful. They have seen the mighty hand of God but do not appreciate it. They only see the things that they lack, not what they have.
Let us be an encouragement even when life seems unfair. Not a stumbling block
keep on trusting.
12But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Philippians 1:12-14
Paul was letting the Philippian church know that God had a bigger plan in light of his suffering. Because of Paul’s imprisonment, many were motivated to preach the gospel. So instead of focusing on our unfair situation, let’s focus on God’s bigger picture.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
More Biblical examples of unfairness
The Bible itself is a testament to the reality of unfairness in this world. From the very beginning, we see examples of injustice and suffering, starting with Adam and Eve’s disobedience and subsequent expulsion from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Throughout the Old Testament, we read about the Israelites enduring slavery, oppression, and exile, despite being God’s chosen people.
In the New Testament, we encounter the ultimate example of unfairness in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God. His unjust suffering and death on the cross serve as a powerful reminder that even the most righteous among us are not immune to the unfairness of this world.
However, these biblical accounts also teach us valuable lessons about how to respond to unfairness. We see individuals like Joseph, who remained faithful to God despite being sold into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37-50). We witness the unwavering trust of Job, who endured unimaginable suffering yet refused to curse God (Job 1-2). These examples encourage us to maintain our faith and trust in God’s plan, even when life seems utterly unfair.
Applying biblical principles to find hope and purpose
While understanding these biblical principles is essential, it’s equally important to put them into practice in our daily lives. Here are some practical steps we can take to find hope and purpose when life seems unfair:
- Cultivate a regular prayer life: Turn to God in prayer, pouring out your heart and seeking His guidance and strength. Prayer can provide a powerful connection to the source of all hope and purpose.
- Study and meditate on God’s Word: Immerse yourself in the Scriptures, allowing the truth of God’s promises to penetrate your heart and renew your mind. The Bible is a wellspring of hope and purpose.
- Surround yourself with a supportive community: Seek out fellowship with other believers who can encourage you, pray for you, and remind you of God’s faithfulness. We were never meant to navigate life’s challenges alone.
- Practice gratitude: Even in the midst of unfairness, make a conscious effort to focus on the blessings and positive aspects of your life. Gratitude can shift our perspective and cultivate a spirit of hope and purpose.
- Serve others: Look for opportunities to bless and serve those around you. By shifting our focus outward, we can find purpose and meaning beyond our own circumstances.
By consistently applying these principles, we can cultivate a mindset of hope and purpose, even in the face of life’s unfairness.
Related Topic: The Undeniable Importance of Bible Reading
Seeking support and guidance from others
When facing unfair circumstances, it can be helpful to seek counsel from trusted friends, family members, or spiritual leaders. These individuals can provide a listening ear, offer wisdom and perspective, and remind us of the truth found in God’s Word. They can also pray for us and encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith.
Additionally, seeking professional help from counselors or therapists can be beneficial in certain situations. These trained professionals can provide tools and strategies for coping with the emotional and psychological effects of unfairness, helping us to process our feelings in a healthy manner.
Remember, seeking support and guidance does not diminish our faith or reliance on God. Rather, it acknowledges our human need for others and recognizes that God often works through others to provide the encouragement and wisdom we need.
Overcoming bitterness and resentment
One of the greatest challenges we face when confronted with unfairness is the temptation to harbor bitterness and resentment. These negative emotions can take root in our hearts, poisoning our perspective and hindering our ability to find hope and purpose.
The Bible warns against the dangers of bitterness and encourages us to forgive those who have wronged us. (Ephesians 4:31-32, Hebrews 12:15)
Overcoming bitterness and resentment is a process that requires intentional effort and reliance on God’s strength. It may involve forgiving those who have wronged us, even when it seems impossible. It may mean letting go of the desire for retribution or justice in our own timing. And it may necessitate seeking forgiveness from others whom we have hurt in our own bitterness.
As we surrender our bitterness to God and choose to forgive, we open the door for healing and restoration. We free ourselves from the chains of resentment and create space for hope and purpose to flourish in our lives once again.
Conclusion: Embracing hope and purpose in the face of unfairness
Life’s unfairness can be a difficult and painful reality to navigate. However, as followers of Christ, we have access to a wellspring of hope and purpose that transcends our circumstances. By anchoring our hearts in the truth of God’s Word and the promises of His love and sovereignty, we can find the strength to persevere through even the most challenging and unjust situations.
Remember, our hope is not found in the fleeting circumstances of this world, but in the eternal promises of our faithful God. And our purpose extends beyond our present struggles, as we are called to live for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.
So, when life seems unfair, cling to the hope and purpose found in Christ. Seek support and guidance from others, overcome bitterness and resentment, and trust in God’s perfect plan. For it is in these moments of trial that our faith can shine brightest, and we can experience the depths of God’s sustaining grace.
