To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. - 1 Peter 2:21-25
Jesus took the high road. There is such a temptation when hurt, to hurt back. The darker side of justice and fair play is revenge. Pay back. Give as good as you got. When insulted, as God, Jesus could have pulled up an entire registry list of all of their shortcomings in excruciating detail. When threatened, Jesus could have made such threats as to cause his attackers' blood to curdle. But he did not. He took the high road, recommended by David, Jesus and Saul: leave the judgment up to God and keep your hands clean and souls unstained.
Helen used to tell our kids, "Be the first one to do the right thing." Actually, she didn't tell just our kids, but to me also. The "why" behind this wise statement is that God will make sure that accounts are properly settled. Taking the low road leads us astray, but the high road returns us to the shepherd of our souls.
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