One quality that most children and teens have in common is a clear sense of what is fair and what is not. Being treated with respect and dignity is expected by most everyone. When that trust is violated, the observer or victim can easily detect the unfairness. Jesus, the perfect One, experienced the worst treatment our world could offer. Being vigilant and aware of injustice is an important mark of maturity as we follow Christ. Standing up for victims, defending the defenseless, and being present with the grieving are all marks of who we need to be.
“Left unchecked, discouragement will become your eyes and ears, determining what you see and hear and how you see and hear it. Unchecked, it will become the master of your emotions and the ruler of your choices and actions. Unchecked, discouragement will rob you of your hope and motivation. It will steal your reason for doing good things. It will rob you of your ability to trust. It will make you closed, self-protective, and easily overwhelmed. Discouragement will sap you of your strength and courage. It will cause you to see negative where nothing is negative and miss the positive that is right in front of you. If given room, discouragement will tell you lies that have the power to destroy your life. Discouragement is natural for someone who is suffering, but it makes a very, very bad master.” - Paul David Tripp, Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense
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