Answer:
Dear Believer,
Isaiah writes this about Christ our Savior…Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
People lied about Christ so that Pilate would execute Him…the Pharisees (the religious leaders of that day) also lied because they had no real love in their heart and only wanted to control the people…because of these things Jesus suffered and died so that we could have forgiveness. He was repeatedly beaten, publicly humiliated, and openly disregarded by even those who were supposed to be His friends.
But yet it says of Christ…Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
God is not mocked and He saw how you were treated. He saw the abuse, saw the lies, and saw the pastor and his son who acted like Pharisees instead of saints…and He saw you too.
All these other people will someday have to face God for what they did…my prayer is that when you face God He says “well done – when you were abused and lied about and humiliated you acted just like My Son Jesus who chose to forgive and love…come sit beside me for the rest of eternity!”
I know that is what is going to happen because the fact you wrote this letter to me proves that you seek God’s approval more than you seek the approval of these others who have caused offenses to you.
Be blessed and know that God understands…He walked the road you walked and will hold your hand through it. He knows what it is like to be treated badly yet still love.
Pastor Brad