Last year, I unexpectedly found myself caught in the crossfire of work-related drama, which briefly disrupted my psychological and emotional state. It took me a few days to evaluate the situation, diagnose my mental state, and recalibrate my thinking to align with God’s Word. From there, I chose to live by divine wisdom and walk by faith rather than fear, to be a victor and not a victim. Though unfairness in life is inevitable, adopting a victim mentality is optional. We should not be compelled to view life’s injustices through the lens of defeat. Instead, we can choose to frame unfairness from the biblical perspective, embrace the challenge, and live by faith, trusting that God’s wisdom and grace are sufficient for every circumstance.
Adopting a victim mentality is inherently self-defeating, even when we truly are victims. It shifts our focus to the injustice—real or imagined—rather than God’s solutions. A victim mentality places us in a position of weakness, not because of external circumstances, but because of an internal failure to apply divine truth by faith. If left unaddressed, the victim mentality leads to learned helplessness and a perpetual grievance mindset, making us bitter rather than better. Complaining solves nothing; instead, we must develop spiritual resilience through the intake and application of God’s Word (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18), walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7), and be “doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (Jam 1:22). When properly executed, this results in steady advancement in our spiritual walk, regardless of circumstances.
As Christians, when we process life through divine wisdom, “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). This changes our mindset and puts us in a place of strength rather than weakness. If we find ourselves in suffering, adversity, or injustice, we must recognize that God has permitted it for our spiritual growth (Jam 1:2-4), as He’s more concerned about the development of our Christian character than our creaturely comforts. Holding on to a victim mindset short-circuits divine viewpoint thinking and hinders our spiritual life by keeping us focused on self rather than Christ (Col 3:1-2; Heb 12:2). Victimhood is incompatible with our status as God’s children who are on a divine mission to function as ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). By faith, we learn to rise above our circumstances and feelings.
Biblical Examples of Victors
Joseph in the Old Testament is a prime example of someone who framed unfair suffering from a divine perspective. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph endured unfair suffering for 13 years (see Genesis chapters 37–50). Though Joseph suffered unjustly, he later framed his brothers’ actions from the divine perspective. Joseph told his brothers, “Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5), and, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen 50:20). Joseph’s brothers meant evil against him, and although Joseph suffered unfairly because of their actions, God worked through him to provide for and preserve the lives of those who meant him harm. Joseph’s response highlights his trust in God’s providence, forgiveness, and grace, as he refrained from seeking vengeance (Rom 12:19) and trusted in God’s ultimate plan (Rom 8:28). Joseph’s example demonstrates how to endure trials with faith, knowing that God can use suffering for His good purposes, even when we don’t fully understand the process.
The Apostle Paul provides another example of enduring unjust suffering without succumbing to a victim mentality (2 Cor 11:23-28). Why? Because he operated under divine viewpoint thinking, rather than a subjective human perspective. While human viewpoint often leads to bitterness, self-pity, or a sense of injustice, divine viewpoint—coupled with positive volition—transforms suffering into an opportunity for spiritual growth. Paul understood that God sovereignly allows trials for a greater purpose and that each hardship can produce perseverance, refine character, and ultimately lead to hope. This mindset allowed him to frame his circumstances through the lens of Scripture, viewing them not as random acts of injustice but as part of God’s plan for his sanctification. As a result, Paul could confidently declare, “we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Rom 5:3-4). In this way, Paul embraced unfair suffering as a stepping stone in his spiritual development, and this made him a victor and not a victim.
Of course, Jesus is the ultimate example of framing unfair suffering from a divine perspective. Though sinless, He endured betrayal, false accusations, physical abuse, and crucifixion. Despite this unjust treatment, Jesus trusted in His Father’s plan for Him. In His final moments on the cross, He even prayed for His attackers, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). That’s grace in action. Jesus was in control of His thoughts and decisions and was not governed by the hatred of His attackers or the unfair situation. Scripture informs us that Jesus, “while being reviled, did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Pet 2:23). Jesus’ example illustrates a victor’s mindset as He framed unfair suffering from the divine perspective and was confident that His Father’s purposes were accomplished through the injustice and evil actions of those who mistreated Him.
Choose Faith and Not Fear
As believers, we must not let unfair circumstances define us. When we are blindsided by difficulties, when emotions flare and we feel turned upside down, we must pull our thoughts together, recalibrate our thinking biblically, identify and restrain aberrant thoughts (2 Cor 10:5), frame our circumstances with divine viewpoint (Prov 3:5-6), and reject the emotionalism of victimhood. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, we must live by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38), claim Bible promises, and advance in the spiritual life. James exhorts us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (Jam 1:2-3). We are not called to escape adversity but to overcome it by learning and applying God’s Word in the walk of faith.
When we face unfair situations and fears arise—and they will—God desires that we look to Him in faith, for “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa 46:1). God’s Word instructs us, “Do not be afraid of sudden fear…for the LORD will be your confidence” (Prov 3:25-26). God said, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa 41:10). God’s Word is always true because He is true, for “He cannot lie” (Heb 6:18). As Scripture declares, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num 23:19). Yes, God will keep His Word! He has perfect integrity and always fulfills His promises. Be encouraged, for “God is for us” (Rom 8:31) and has promised, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Heb 13:5). Therefore, “Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock” (Isa 26:4).
This mode of thinking will position you as a victor, not a victim. It will elevate you to the spiritual high ground, granting you the strategic advantage necessary to overcome the enemy and his lies—deceptive schemes designed to defeat and discourage you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adopting a victim mentality not only hinders our spiritual growth but also undermines our ability to trust in God’s sovereignty and apply His Word to our circumstances. The examples of Joseph, Paul, and Jesus remind us that, regardless of the injustices we may face, we are called to frame our suffering through the lens of divine viewpoint, trusting that God works all things for good to those who love Him (Rom 8:28). By rejecting the emotionalism of victimhood and embracing faith, we are empowered to overcome adversity and advance in our spiritual walk. In times of difficulty, we must remind ourselves that God is our refuge and strength, and His promises are unwavering. As we choose faith over fear, we position ourselves as victors, equipped to defeat the enemy’s lies and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives, all while walking in the strength that comes from His Word and His unshakable promises.
Dr. Steven R. Cook
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