The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. -Proverbs 15:28 (NKJV)
You know the feeling when someone’s gone way below the belt. They dig something up from the past, or throw lies in your face, or purposely embarrass and misrepresent you before others. Your flesh is rising, bristling, and you feel the poison of resentment and possibly hatred invading your body. Nobody can talk to you like that, right!
But the bottom line is that we can control our actions and responses. Jesus didn’t fight fire with fire when the Pharisees tested Him and tried to trap Him before crowds. He resolutely faced them with firm and loving truth, and even asked them questions to dig deeper into the issues they were trying to throw at Him. He faced His accusers head on, but never stooped to their level.
Likewise, people are watching you, especially if you publicly profess to be a follower of Christ. Your friends, family, and even bystanders have a chance to see Christ’s grace and love in action…or your own base desire to lash right back out at the offender.
So the next time you get blindsided or backstabbed by someone, take a deeeeeep breath. Take a sip of water if you must. Then, ask God how He would want you to make Him known by your response.
We can always honor our Lord and Savior by emulating Him, especially with trying people. I look at these people as blessings, because God put them in our paths to teach us to channel His patience and grace and bold love. Thank you, God, for loving us enough to help us learn from you and make you known as we grow and speak your love to others!
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