Payback

“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There will always be people who insult us. Insults can make us angry and desire justice. A desire for justice causes us to take people to court and allow the judge to decide if the insult warrants payment. Yesterday, the Family First Party leader in Australia, Lyle Shelton, was in court as two deaf queens had been offended with comments he made about them reading Trans story books to small children in a public library. Whilst Mr Shelton did not vilify them, they felt unjustly treated. Their first attempt at attacking Mr Shelton failed and this was a second attempt.

Whilst people may choose how they identify themselves, they are not necessarily free to impose their views on impressionable, young minds. Mr Shelton is aiming to protect young minds.

Courts are expensive. Using them as a means to settle disputes can bankrupt a person. In this case Mr Shelton had tried mediation and failed. Whilst the offended are using government funded solicitors Mr Shelton has to pay for his defence, fortunately he is assisted by gracious solicitors who cover most of his costs themselves.

Jesus dealt a lot with relationships and settlement of disputes. He advocated settling disputes outside of courts, forgiveness of offences and praying for those who hurt us. This is a totally different approach that what is playing out in Mr Shelton’s case. The offended want blood and do not understand forgiveness or prayer.

May the Lord’s blessing be upon Mr Shelton and may God’s way be revealed. May the trans activists find peace and forgiveness. Amen!