Insult for Insult – 1 Peter 2:23
And while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.
What person likes being demeaned? None with a sound mind, I would guess. Therefore, our natural retort is often quick and sharp when we perceive others are mocking or abusing us. After all, does not our pride cry out, “Who do they think they are?” Does not our self-respect demand that we defend ourselves? The world answers with a resounding, “Yes,” but we need not follow the lead of those living in futility and dissention. Rather, the Spirit of the living God empowers us to turn from the world’s senseless, harmful patterns and follow the amazing example of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
He teaches that a gentle response to insults, persecution, and recriminations against us carries with it eternal benefits by allowing the transforming light of heaven to shine through us, to touch those who abuse us, dissipating anger, softening hearts, and glorifying God.[1] He shows us how to respond in love, teaching us not as one holding a lofty position as a scholar or philosopher, but as one who knows of that which He speaks. For He, who could have called upon His Father to send multitudes of angels to defend and protect Him,[2] did not strike out against His accusers. Rather, He showed us a radical, yet heaven-anointed, way to respond to abuse, as He stood before false accusations while men darkened by sin and driven by lies, sentenced Him to death. As a sheep is silent before its shearer, He did not open His mouth.[3] He said nothing to defend Himself. Rather He obediently followed the plan set before Him, entrusting Himself to His Father.
Will we not do the same? When others revile us, instead of arguing in self-defense, will we not put our hope in the Lord, trusting that He, in His infinite wisdom, will answer on our behalf at the prescribed time?[4] Will we not remain silent and leave room for the grace of God to work supernaturally in the situation? Will we not entrust every circumstance, including the harsh and wearisome ones, along with the people involved, to our Heavenly Father?
Let us try; let us follow our Lord’s example, not arguing with those who would harm us, uttering no threats, placing our hope and confidence in the One who is able to uphold our cause. Let us act as Christ would act, and our God, who judges righteously, will use the trying and bitter situations that come upon us to lead us to higher ground as part of His perfect plan.
Stand in love in the face of another’s
unkindness, and you will not be disappointed with the eternal rewards the Lord
bestows on you because of your willingness to follow Him.[5]
[1] Matthew 5:11
[2] Matthew 26:53
[3] Acts 8:32
[4] Psalm 38:14-15
[5] Matthew 5:12
