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My daddy used to say
two things: “fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me”. And,
“I don’t get mad, I get even.” Those two mantras aren’t rare, in fact
aren’t we all looking out for number one? If you want to respond
effectively and productively to an injustice, a teacher’s unfair
treatment, a friend’s spreading lies about you, a co-worker sabotaging
your career, you need to read this book. The response you should give
may not be what you expect.
In a concise, succinct manner author/conference speaker John Bevere gives us biblical reasons and examples how we should respond when wronged. It is not for us to dole out the punishment to the one who wronged us and, if we do choose that way we will be missing the blessing God has in store for us, and the person who wronged us gets off without learning anything. In fact Mr. Bevere states that if we leave payback/vengeance/justice whatever you want to call it, to the Lord you will be bountifully blessed, your character will grow morally stronger, and God will defend and vindicate you.
The problem is, in our humanness, we want to see the person punished RIGHT NOW. (Maybe I should just speak for myself.) When someone wrongs me I’ll be honest, I can usually shrug it off. But, wrong my husband, kids, or grandkids, well, and then we’re going to do some talking. After reading this book I will do things differently. Not because John Bevere says so, but because he gives solid Biblical and scriptural reasons why. Page 29 has the most eye opening, heart changing, spirit healing, advice I’ve read in a long time. The scripture used is Matthew 5:25-26 and the author’s interpretation is right on the money and plainly stated so even thick headed me gets it.
I’ve seriously studied the bible since I became a believer in 1981 and every now and then something comes up where I scratch my head wondering how on earth I missed THAT nugget of truth. Well, this book is one of those nuggets.
If you’re not a reader of non-fiction let me assure you this little hardcover book is an easy read with plain language. You will not get bogged down, nor should you get bored.
This book will free those who are hurt, teach those who do the hurting, and educate all of us. A must read. And, although I’m not usually drawn to give the award to non-fiction (not on purpose, just not so inclined) but this one, How To Respond When You Feel Mistreated, earns the Reviewers choice award.
Reviewed by Linda Mae Baldwin
for The Road to Romance
December 17, 2004
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