Ready:
“When he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.” – 1-е посл. Петра 2:23
Set:
We know that sports are not for the weak. True strength is built on the rep that almost breaks you.
For Jesus, He had multiple reps that almost broke His body, and they eventually did but the result from those moments would far outweigh the temporary suffering He went through. Most of those moments were in the last week of His life as the scribes and pharisees put Him to trial, beat Him, had Him flogged and nailed to a cross. The context around our verse for today goes back to the Gospels, which tell us that the religious leaders of the day were questioning and accusing Jesus and yet, “he kept silent, and did not answer” (Mark 14:61).
How many times in competition or in life have you returned an insult with an insult? How many times has that worked out in your favor? We know our flesh can get fired up when an insult is thrown our way. We also know from Притчи 15:1 that, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.” If Jesus, who was perfect, denied wrath against those who deserved it (the same ones who were insulting and accusing Him), and chose a gentle answer, how much more should we?
I think what challenges me even more is that Jesus chose the gentle way and yet the anger still remained in their hearts. He models doing the right thing even when others don’t follow. How could He have this kind of attitude? Because He “entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.” He knew God saw it all and because of that, He didn’t have to take matters into His own hands. Let’s follow Jesus’ example and handle those moments with grace.
If Christ didn’t return insult for insult or threaten those causing His suffering, then neither should we.
Go:
What would it look like for you to follow Christ’s example when faced with things we think are unfair?
How can you intentionally extend grace to those who insult you?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example Christ lived during His suffering on this earth. Help me to look to Him when I am insulted or suffering because of the unjust actions of those coming against me. Help me to reflect Christ and the love He has for His enemies. I pray for those who insult me; please show me how to be intentional in extending Jesus’ love and grace to them. I pray for redemption in their lives and in my relationship with them. Amen.”