Whatever the reason may be, one that is mystifying and may never be known fully, a person is treated with contempt by another. It can be painful, but the pain is not one that had not been felt with all its intensity by One Who was sinless: Jesus. He was rejected by the people who favored freeing a murderer instead. [1] He was scourged [2], mocked with a crown of thorns, spat on [3], kicked [4] and insulted by another by a prisoner who was crucified with Him. [5]
If you have ever been disdained, you know the pain, then think of it as a gift from Christ, Who was willing to share with you to a small degree of the pain He felt when He was being scorned. How wonderful is that, to have the chance to share a bit of Christ's pains, even if the pain is much less intense?
Then imagine the moment when the one who scorned you realizes his haughtiness, regrets and seeks forgiveness, in person or in spirit, and you are there to forgive him fully and embrace him as your friend. I would think that moment when you can forgive and accept with love the one who had done to you harm is a moment filled with joy that is heavenly and indescribable, a joy that is only exceeded by the joy of God when a sinner repents forever his sins and returns to God.
Therefore, when you are treated with contempt and hated, remember this and take heart: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." [6] And remember to forgive.
[1] http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A15-24&version=NIV
[2] http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2019:1
[3] http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2027:28-30
[4] Fact presumed.
[5] http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023:39-41
[6] http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A18&version=NIV
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