DEALING WITH INSULTS AND LIES

Jesus always spoke the truth.  He encouraged people to follow Him because He is the way, the truth, and the life.  He said some things that are very difficult to do and do not seem to fit the categories of comfort or encouragement. 

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9 NIV) 

Does Jesus really mean this?  We see examples of situations like road rage and know that quick-flash anger lives in most of us and can be triggered very easily. Isn’t it enough that we don’t act violently in response to what others say and do or spread vicious rumors about them to others?  The Bible teaches us not to return evil for evil and challenges us even further when 

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  (Matthew 5:11 NIV)

As Jesus hung on the cross, He asked His Father to forgive those who put Him there, even as some continued to mock and make fun of Him.  Jesus knew it was better to focus His actions on fulfilling what God wanted Him to do rather than being distracted by the sinful words or behaviour of those around Him. 

While it may be a challenge, it is true that God will help us when we choose to stop the cycle of insults and unkindness. This does not mean that we smile while our fists are clenched.  It does mean that we give up the desire for revenge.  We let God speak truth to our hearts and give us peace within, so that the insults and evil lies of others wash off us like oil on a non-stick pan surface.  When we do this, we can then ask others to tell us what their problem is and listen long as they offer an explanation or, as is sometimes needed, simply walk away and pray for the wounded angry person.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, When someone insults me, I can’t imagine not paying them back but I’m willing to do things Your way.  With Your help I will do my best to bless a person who, either in the past or even today, speaks evil to me or about me.  Remove all lies from my mind and heal my wounded heart and help me to see myself and others as You see us.  Amen.