CC-Art.com Jesus in the synagogue     Mark 3:1-6 (HCSB) 1 Now He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a paralyzed hand. 2 In order to accuse Him, they were watching Him closely to see whether He would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 He told the man with the paralyzed hand, “Stand before us.” 4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5 After looking around at them with anger and sorrow at the hardness of their hearts, He told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6 Immediately the Pharisees went out and started plotting with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. “For doing good.”  That’s what I wrote in my Bible by this passage and several other passages where people wanted to kill Jesus.  One time they picked up stones to throw at Him for telling the truth.  Always, their anger at Him was for doing good; and always it was “Christian” people.  At any rate, they were religious people. Are you hurt or angry because of something someone has said to you or about you?  Maybe they’ve judged your motives.  You did something nice, out of the goodness of your heart, and they responded with criticism.  Ever hear any of these comments? He just did that for attention. The only reason she does all that is so that people will think she’s great. If she’d lose some weight, she’d be a pretty person. He might be good-looking, but he sure isn’t smart. Have you or someone you know ever been omitted from the guest list of an upcoming event?  I guess we’ve all been through this type of thing at one time or another.  It makes us angry, and it hurts.  To be misunderstood, deliberately or unintentionally, is a painful thing.  Why?  Why do people say and do such hurtful things?  Some of the sweetest people that I have ever known were often the topic of cruel and sinful jokes or comments.  Why? Why?  Sometimes the reason is jealousy.  The perpetrator of the gossip doesn’t realize that they are jealous, but gossip is often born of jealousy.  Sometimes the reason is conviction.  The Bible tells us that our lights are to shine and are to be seen by men that they may glorify God.  Only, sometimes – usually our religious brethren – men don’t glorify God.  Instead, they become cynical and mean.   Your good works may convict them of the fact that they aren’t doing what God wants them to do. Sometimes – most often – the people who are cruel are to be pitied.  They are usually very unhappy, low self-esteem individuals.  And they get a little attention and feel important when they say ugly things about someone else. Does it hurt?  Sure.  How to respond? Matthew 5:11-12 (HCSB) 11 “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Be glad and rejoice.  That’s hard, but if you don’t keep praising the Lord and keep working for the Kingdom, you will become bitter and hard.  In effect, you will become just like your enemy.  Continue to be consistent.  It works.  Sooner or later, people realize who is pure and who is spreading lies. **Lord, help me to stay pure.  No matter what others may say about me, help me to remain true to you.  Help me to stay pure in heart (single-focused).  I love you, Lord; and even one moment spent on my enemies is too much if it takes me away from praising You - with my life and my mouth.  Amen.