Whoever is at fault and is punished has only suffered the due consequences of his error; he should not be surprised, for everyone knows that certain crimes result in certain punishments. To put up with deserved punishment patiently is nothing marvellous and does not rise above what is required of all servants or workers depending on the situation, whether believer or unbeliever. But the Christian must demonstrate the grace of Christ to the world. That grace is completely beyond what the world is capable of and has the effect of making unbelievers wonder at the power at work in him. As they see how God’s people live, they say, ‘I could never do that; where does that person find the strength and patience to respond in that way when they are treated so unreasonably?’ – for God will make sure that his suffering people are seen, not so that they bring glory to themselves but to their heavenly Father. Having made such a wonderful creation as a child of God in the world, God sets his workmanship on display. For this reason the believer must rise above the world in his response. He does not do this when he takes due punishment patiently, for first of all he has let down the Lord by not even living up to the standard that unbelievers require of their own; his patience under affliction is then nothing out of the ordinary, and anything less than this would again fall below the standard expected in the world. But to suffer for doing good is quite another matter: that is indeed extraordinary. Nothing causes outrage as much as unjust treatment, and everyone knows that to exercise self-control at a time like this and not respond with strong protests or revenge is something few are capable of. When the believer bears such things without complaining, he obviously is looking beyond anything in this world for his compensation. It is true that the injustice may not come to light immediately for oppressors are very good at covering their tracks and have the power and opportunity to hide their injustices, but even here the oppressed believer is able to trust God to bring the truth to light. Our Lord gave us an example, for when false witnesses laid charges against him he said nothing (Matthew 26:63). The believer must settle it in his heart to leave his case in the hands of God who will bring the hidden things to light. Such trust is commendable to God and a powerful witness to the world of our faith.