Being Ill-Treated!

It has been noted that the bigness of a person may be measured by the size of what gets them down or gets to them. Some people are more easily offended than others. However, one of the harsh realities of life is that people don’t always act or speak as they should. As long as we live among imperfect people (remembering we are one too) we will find ourselves on the receiving end of either actions or words we feel we don’t deserve. Remember Jesus (the only perfect being to walk this earth) received such. How did he react to that which He did not deserve? Peter stated that Jesus did not revile (or insult) in return. Instead, He entrusted Himself to God Who is the one Who judges justly. ( 1 Peter 2:23)

Someone has stated, “Insults are like bad coins, we cannot help their being offered to us, but we need not take them.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie]

Some people will take an INSULT and put it right back into circulation.
Sometimes the INSULT is handed right back to the initial insulter while other times it is slipped to others. To resist responding in such a way is truly a sign of strength.

Solomon advised…
“The vexation of a fool is known at once, but THE PRUDENT IGNORES AN INSULT.” ( Proverbs 12:16 ESV)

The same passage in the New Living Translation reads: “A fool is quick-tempered, but A WISE PERSON STAYS CALM WHEN INSULTED.” [NLT, © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

Perhaps we would find that easier said than done at times. Nevertheless, let us remember we are to walk in the likeness of Jesus. He modeled the way we are to respond. The key to success in this area is through keeping the focus on the God Who will ultimately sort it all out. Let us also be encouraged that there is a realm of blessing associated with some INSULTS.

Peter encouraged…
“If you are INSULTED FOR THE NAME OF CHRIST, YOU ARE BLESSED, because THE SPIRIT OF GLORY AND OF GOD RESTS UPON YOU.” ( 1 Peter 4:14 ESV)

If we are going to live like Jesus we should not be surprised if we are sometimes treated as He was. (i.e. John 15:18-20) Some may speak against us out of arrogance. Others may do so out of ignorance. However, when we are seen to not throw the INSULTS right back nor allow them to get us down, such reaction may just cause others to take a closer look at the Christ Whose Name we wear as Christians.

Have a great day LIVING IN THE MEEKNESS OF CHRIST!
Carl

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