1 Peter 4: 12 My dear friends, do not
be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual
were happening to you. 13 Rather be glad that you are sharing
Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. 14 Happy are you if you are
insulted because you are Christ's followers; this means that the glorious
Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 If you suffer, it must not
be because you are a murderer or a thief or a criminal or a meddler in other
people's affairs. 16 However, if you suffer because you are a
Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name.
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“Four eyes!” was
the insult hurled at me that sent me crying. I could no longer play with my
blocks. This insult was about my new glasses. I was the only one in my
classroom with glasses. The teacher pulled me to the side and taught me this
saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” I
tried it and it worked! That is until I became an adult.
- I was taught at a young age to ignore insults.
- A new mindset towards insults was given to me so I could handle when people tried to be mean.
- Realizing that insults are meant to hurt people reminds me to stay away from using them, even passively.
Peter provides a
perspective on suffering. He went through fear, doubt and denial of JESUS. When
JESUS restored HIM as a true follower, Peter preached with passion. He knew
that church leaders would be jealous and would persecute him and anyone who
believed in JESUS. Peter gave them a new mindset towards insults.
My Observations:
- Resilience starts with me knowing I can be slandered and insulted, simply because I believe in JESUS as my Savior.
- Resilience requires that I have a new mindset towards insults where I should expect them.
- Resilience makes me stronger because I know I am on the right track when I am insulted, slandered and debased for my relationship with CHRIST.
Insults sting for a
moment. I mean, when someone passionately calls me a name, even though it may
be false, I sometimes can feel the sharpness of the word. But it is not the
insult that is the problem, it is how I respond.
GOD expects me to “Love
one another” even when insulted by him or her. HE loves when I am thankful with
a clear conscience. HE sees those who use insults, passive or aggressive, and
owns vengeance. HE simply wants me to live above insults and walk in JESUS’
footsteps. I am glad GOD gives me a path that helps me not internalize insults.
Challenge
- What mindset is the writer presenting?
- Have you ever be insulted and knew the insult was false, but it hurt anyway?
- Will you adopt a new mindset, knowing you will be insulted because of your relationship with JESUS?
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