How to Respond When You Feel Mistreated
By John Bevere

“No one is immune. The rich and strong receive it just like the poor and powerless. Some mistreatment is laughably minor. Other acts are horrific, having the power to wreck a person’s reputation - and even to threaten life itself.”

     When done wrong, most want to get even. Bevere’s ninety-two page book, packed with plenty of influential wisdom, shows us why getting even gets us nothing. Bevere says “If we allow God to handle those who mistreat us, we will mature and reap great blessings.” In eight short, detailed chapters, the author uses personal examples to explain his reasoning. His teachings are backed by scriptures. The chapters are:

An Ignored Truth
Vengeance Is His
The Right Way to Respond
The Issue of Authority
The Role of Suffering
Blessed Are the Mistreated
Rising Above Mistreatment
Will He Find Faith?

     One notable chapter is number four, The Issue of Authority. Bevere tells us respect is necessary in order to get one’s blessings. Even though the one in charge may be wrong or doing wrong, it’s not for us to judge, and defending ourselves may do more harm than good. Another is the chapter six, Blessed Are the Mistreated. Bevere tells readers about a friend who wasn’t promoted and felt his race was an issue. Bevere explains to readers as he did his friend why it should be handled God’s way and not his friend’s in a court of law.

     All issues may not be agreed on by some and others may question a scripture or two. That’s to be expected with an inspirational, self-help book. The first time I read this book, I felt the answers were too contrived. That once again I was being told to take the position of a doormat. Who wants to roll over and play dead, more or less, when someone is being mean to you? The second time I read the book, I got it. I began to see situations in my past that could have been handled easier with this kind of advice at hand.

     How to Respond When You Feel Mistreated is a quick read. The book may be small, but the message is big. If you are a Christian who needs help in dealing with unfair and unjust people, this is the book for you. If you are judgmental about those doing wrong and want to expose them, this is the book for you. Bevere’s sound advice will lead you to a nonjudgmental, non-resenting, self-respecting life full of blessings.