By: Juliet Constantine
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11)
Insult as a blessing? How can that be? It is not in our nature to respond with kindness when we are insulted. Turning the other cheek is very difficult – even for Christians. It is easier to “put down the Bible; defend one’s self; then take up the Bible again”. Our sinful nature shouts “retaliate, retaliate! Defend yourself!” But Jesus gave a valid lesson when He taught us to pay back with a blessing.
When our enemies insult, persecute and lie on us, or when they speak evil about us: we are to be happy and rejoice! We are not to rejoice because of the evil they did; instead, we are to rejoice in the reward that will be ours if remain patient and calm.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult,” Peter admonished. He continued, “On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9).
There are examples in the Bible of people who were insulted, persecuted and lied on. Many evil things were said about them; but, they remained patient and faithful. Joseph’s brothers didn’t like him-- perhaps for good reason. He was often insulted and, finally, he was sold to foreign traders. His life in a foreign land wasn’t much better. Soon, after basking into success, he found himself in prison because of someone’s lie on him. He could have stewed his anger for all those years behind bars; but, he chose to continue doing what he does best-- repay insult with a blessing. In later years, when he became the Governor of Egypt, Joseph could have exercised his power and retaliated when his wicked brothers showed up to purchase grain. But he did not. Instead, he repaid them with a blessing.
The Bible always carries more than one witness. David was hunted like a wild animal to be slaughtered. He could have easily killed his father-in-law, King Saul, and his men when they were asleep in the cave. But he did not. Instead, he showed mercy and honored God in not touching his anointed. Like the Apostle Paul, David strongly believed that vengeance belonged to God, who would repay in His time. He believed that all things worked together for good to those who love God and who are called according to His purpose. He would not lay a finger on his enemy. He chooses to wait on the Lord who would avenge him.
What about you? Is there malice in your heart because someone insulted you, lied on you, or spoke evil of you? You need to repay them with a blessing. If the evil executed does not cost life, try and ignore what others have said/or are saying about you. Instead, rejoice. Forgive and forget. Bless them however you can, and give if they need. Pray and ask God to give you a forgiving heart. Let God vindicate you, in His time.
When you repay insult with a blessing, you are gaining the victory: over the devil – he cannot gain a foothold in your life; over your enemy – your life will be a testimony and God will work on them to bring about a change; and over yourself – you will be strengthened to face the next challenge. Let’s be children of light and rejoice when persecution comes. Rejoice whenever we are insulted. Rejoice whenever we are overlooked and sidelined. God has a purpose for allowing it all to happen. Remember, all things work together for our good.
Dear Father, thank You for the reminder that we are to rejoice in difficult times. Please keep us faithful-- to this end we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
