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Dr. Martin Luther King dreamed of a just, peaceful, and harmonious community. He said that in the pursuit of such a just society, we should expect resistance from those who oppose justice. He argued, however, that when we suffer for a just cause — a moral cause — such suffering could be redemptive. It can help produce a greater good. In this regard, Dr. King echoes the teaching of the Apostle Peter, recorded in 1 Peter 2. Peter stressed that God’s people should always strive to do what we know is right, and when our actions result in unfair treatment, we should patiently endure them. Peter says the reason we should tolerate unfair treatment is simple. It is because Christ our Lord suffered unfair treatment for us. Peter wrote, “He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God who always judges fairly.” Since God is fair, and rewards those who suffer for righteousness sake, He will reward those slaves that endured mistreatment. Indeed, wicked slave-masters who inflicted horrible punishment on innocent slaves can expect God’s wrath. God has not forgotten. Their day of judgment will surely come, as will all those who violate God’s righteous standards.
