Scripture I'm reflected on: 1 Peter 2:23
"He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly."
What is our first response when someone insults us? Talk behind their back. Get in an argument. Let it bother us all day. Change. Implement "Eye for an eye." Probably one of the hardest things we as Christians have to battle is these emotions when we are insulted, mistreated, or disrespected. Having the will, the courage, the patience to not respond to our critics as Jesus did is one of the true challenges of our faith.
Reflection:
One of the common mistakes I think many of us (or maybe just me?) have a tendency to think is that we need to respond to everyone who insults us, mocks us, disrespects us, or treats us wrongly. This can be in any situation, whether its over our faith, or anything else. Society teaches us to "man up" "be tough" "stand up for ourselves. But does this ever lead to anything good for anyone? While there are certainly times where a gentle response can benefit a situation (Proverbs 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath,...), there are many times where we just have to brush off someones comment, stay in peace, and enjoy the day. There are people in all of our lives that just aren't going to be happy, that aren't going to treat us kindly, that won't give us respect no matter what. Whether it be a co-worker, family member, classmate, store clerk...there's bound to be someone you encounter almost every day who has the potential to ruin your day. But do we have to respond to this? Do we have to respond to the co-worker who consistently treats us with disrespect. Do we have to respond to the family member who singles us out, leave us out of discussions? Do we have to respond to that classmate who talks behind out back. The answer is no. If we respond with anger, we are falling into their poison. If we respond with deceit, we are no more respectful than they are. If we respond by trying to conform to their views, then we are abandoning our beliefs. Respond with peace of mind. Respond by not changing who you are, your positive attitude, or your faith. A quote from a pastor that inspired this writing was "The more critics talk about you, the more God blesses you." Think about that the next time you find yourself angry and ready to act on that anger.
There are plenty of stories in Scripture to back up this philosophy. Without going back to get the exact facts, I remember a story in Kings where Elijah was traveling from Jericho when a young group of men made fun of him for being bald. Did Elijah bicker back? Did he challenge them to a fight? Did he tell a yo momma so fat joke? No, he kept going on with his duty. And what happened to the men? God had them mauled by bears. God will fight our battles. If we have faith in this, if we believe this, then it will be real easy to let negative comments roll off our back. No, I'm not saying someone who insults us will get mauled by a bear, or anything close. But God will respond, He will fight battles for those who are faithful to Him.
People do not control our destiny, God does. What others say to harm you, God will use to our good. Be on alert, the happier you are, the more successful your life becomes...the more people will try to bring you down. Whether it be jealousy, anger, or frustration, people have a natural tendency to want to knock people off their pedestal. Don't let this affect your mood. Don't let this make you question yourself. It's natural to wonder, are they right? Do I need to change, do I need to conform? Do not worry about what others say you are, only listen to what God says you are.
Jesus' own brothers wouldn't respect him. No one in his hometown recognized his miracles, his power. He was never accepted there. "He's just a carpenter." Jesus could have easily responded, could have easily shown off his power to make his hometown accept him. But he knew he wouldn't be accepted, so he left. He didn't waste time trying to win people over who had already judged him as a carpenter. Jesus made a decision to go elsewhere, go to where he would be celebrated. How much time have you wasted trying to get someone to accept you? Some people just flat out don't want to have peace with you. If you've been kind, been respectful, and they still don't want to have peace, then that is their problem. Your time is better spent in peace, in the Lord, in happiness, then in trying to make people accept you.
Final Thought:
We have a constant battle with evil, with sin, with Satan. This battle is happening all around us. Save your energy for this battle. Everytime we respond to an insult, try to get even with someone, or try and gain approval from people who are knocking us down, we are engaging in a battle we are not supposed to be in. God assures us that he will put the right people in our future. Save your energy, your "battle", for God.
Matthew 10:14 - "If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave."
What does your Dad say when you get knocked down, wait does your coach say when you get fouled? Shake it off. Use this attitude when you are disrespected. Shake it off. Shake off the insult. Shake off the condescending tone. Shake off the negativity. Be kind, be respectful, move on and fulfill your destiny despite of the negativity.
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