When someone insults you, what is your initial response? Most of us want to strike back and get even. This, of course, reveals our pride. How dare someone say anything negative about us! We don’t like to be put down, and we hate it even more when someone says something untrue about us. Our impulse is to justify ourselves and set the record straight.
When we act from a place of pride, we are not in the will of God, nor are we showing Christ to a dark and dying world. (James 4:6; Philippians 2:3-5) Jesus did not insult back when His adversaries would insult and defame Him. He held His tongue. Peter instructs us to follow the Lord’s example and to do the same. (1 Peter 2:21-23)
While we might excuse our impulse to fire back as “human nature,” the truth is such a reaction finds its origin in our sin nature. We think too much of ourselves, so we take offense when anyone disagrees with our assessment. (Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:3) We are no better than anyone else. Every soul on earth is a sinner deserving nothing but the horrors of Hell. (Romans 3:10-12; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23) We all, to one degree or another, rebel against God and sometimes outright reject His claim of being Lord of all. (Isaiah 53:6; Romans 1:21-25) A single sin is enough to send us to Hell, but we insist on piling on the charges. (James 2:10) And yet we have the audacity to take offense when someone impugns our “character”?
Getting even, whether in a verbal or physical context, must never be our motive in anything. Instead, we should focus on blessing others by demonstrating God’s grace, mercy, and love. (Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 3:8-9) This should be our calling card, not being quick-witted or always having the last word. If we respond to offense with blessing, it becomes difficult for the other party to continue tearing us down. What’s even more important is that they will see the love of Christ pouring out from us. Who knows, that might compel them to reconsider their opinion about Jesus and their need for Him.
If you don’t hold your tongue, people will see you the same as everyone else. (Matthew 5:46-47) We aren’t called to be like everyone else, but to be different. (Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:14-16) No one expects kindness in return for hate or love for derision. Such is the way of Jesus. Though falsely accused, He prayed for the forgiveness of His accusers. (Luke 23:34) In His dying minutes, He gave eternal salvation to one who moments earlier was spewing insults at Him. (Matthew 27:44; Luke 23:39-43) And when insulted, Jesus offered no defense. (Isaiah 53:7; 1 Peter 2:23) He didn’t need to because He understood His mission. Oh, that people would say that of us.
As believers in and followers of Christ, we know that enduring injustice and suffering will result in great spiritual rewards throughout eternity. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) We may grow discouraged, but in Christ, we will never taste defeat. (Romans 8:35-37; 1 Corinthians 15:57) God is faithful to fulfill all His promises. (Hebrews 10:23; 2 Corinthians 1:20) We can trust Him through every insult and period of suffering. The final word will be His. (Hebrews 9:27-28) Bless those who curse you (Luke 6:28), and don’t be surprised when they do. (1 Peter 4:12) Hold your tongue and pray for them as God’s Word commands we do. (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28) Live like Jesus in the here and now so you can live with Him forever in paradise. (1 John 2:6; John 14:2-3) Hold your tongue and hold on to who you are in Christ. (Colossians 3:1-4; Philippians 3:19-20)