When an insult is really an invitation
‘Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted.’ (verses 11, 12)
Read Matthew 5: 11-16
Sometimes it would be a lot easier if people really did insult you for being a Christian.
Usually it’s a lot more subtle than that. You find yourself in a discussion about life and meaning, and people come up with mature-sounding cliches about being responsible for their own destiny and how sad it is when people have to rely on a crutch like religion.
You know the person’s having a dig at you, trying to prove to you and themselves they’re strong and individual, and somehow Christians are not. And that makes it all very personal. You don’t like to be accused of weakness. Really, you’d prefer it if they simply insulted you, so you could think of something snappy to say back, and it would be over.
But perhaps now God is calling on you to do something more than get insult revenge.
Perhaps this is your opportunity to explore with this person the insecurities in their own life, their fears, their need for love and acceptance. You can share how God gives you the strength and security to get the most out of life and put the most into life. Perhaps what began as an insult is really an invitation. One you should respond to. Next time, try it.
God, it’s hard when people accuse me of being weak because I believe in you. Give me the wisdom to hear their words, but also to listen to their heart. Amen.
by contributor, in ‘Direction for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2006)
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