If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Summary: Regardless of whether we are thin-skinned or thick-skin, when we have the Spirit and glory of Jesus on us, the world will insult us. Respond with God’s love.
Do you know what it means to be “thin-skinned?” It is a phrase that means “touchy,” or easily bruised. Someone who is thin-skinned can be insulted by the slightest affront. Sometimes, the offense is not even real, but imaginary.
The opposite is to be “thick-skinned.” A thick-skinned person hardly notices if someone calls them a name, insults their spouse, doesn’t like their appearance, or questions their heritage. A thick-skinned person is hard to insult, but it is not impossible.
Whether our “skin” is thick or thin, we sometimes find ourselves feeling insulted. As Christians, how are we to respond? Do we throw insults back? Is it okay to hit the person on the nose? Should we scream and yell at them? What does Jesus do?
Peter tells us that, “When they hurled their insults at him, he [Jesus] did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) So Peter says we are not to retaliate.
Jesus himself says, “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…” (Matthew 5:11-12a)
Peter adds, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9) This fits with Jesus’ teaching about “turning the other cheek;”
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5: 38-42)
If you represent Christ well enough that people insult you because of Him, you have done well. If you turn the other cheek and return only kindness, you have done better. If you do these things because you love Jesus, then “the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
Application: Prepare yourself to be insulted. Plan how you will respond.
Food for Thought: Why is it a good thing to have the ”Spirit of glory and of God” resting on you?
Because it is known then that we are His children. He has claimed us as His and Him as our Father. When we show people the love that has been given to us, the kindness of Jesus, and our character as a follower it speaks volumes to others.
Nicely said, Tim.
When Jesus sits on the throne of our lives, his Light and Love shine through our face, our words, and our deeds.
Having the spirit of God resting on us gives us strength and peace.
Rob,
Strength and peace are wonderful gifts in this chaotic world.
Thank you brother and thank you Tim and Rob for the great comments.
Another way to look at your question is to think about the blessings that come with having the Holy Spirit lead our lives. As Tim states, it shows we belong to God (Ephesians 1: 13 – 14). As Rob states, we have strength and peace along with many other blessings. We will also likely exhibit the fruit of the Spirit as seen in Galatians 5: 22 – 23.
Rich,
Letting the Holy Spirit lead my life is something I want more of.
Why is it a good thing to have the ”Spirit of glory and of God” resting on you?
Ephesians 6:12, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
We are like a “snowball thrown in a roaring fire.” The forces against us are beyond our comprehension and strength. God knows this and has given His Spirit to insulate us against anything our enemy can throw at us. Keep our eyes on our goal, focus on Jesus, knowing He is with us, helping us to grow in all circumstances.
So Ron…
Is saying “a snowball’s chance in a roaring fire” one of those MC sayings? Asking for a friend… 🙂
I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me,..because He that is in me is greater than I will ever be,..one thing for sure is that with the Holy Spirit when I do get insulted,..the words seem to just roll off my shoulder,..they don’t stick like they used to,..because like Ron mentioned,..focusing on Jesus and knowing that He is with me make all the difference when it comes to the insults,..He gives me a calming peace in those circumstances,..and as the bible states His peace is beyond all understanding,..all I can do is thank Him for that peace and move forward in this life that He has called me to live,..
I am because He is,..He lives so that I can,..that’s why it’s a good thing for God’s Spirit and glory to be resting on me,..that’s how I feel anyway
John,
Thank you! You have pointed out something very important. Through the power of God’s word, we become inoculated against insults. How can we feel anything but pity for those who do not have the joy of knowing God that we have?
👍🏻