Bearing Insults

Scripture: We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." Romans 15:1-3

Observation: The quotation in verse 3 is referenced back to Psalm 69, a psalm attributed to David. In the context Paul gives it, it can be read in two different ways:

1) Insults about God and Jesus will be directed toward Christians.

2) Insults about the members of the church who are weak and make mistakes will be directed at the more faithful and mature members of the church.

In both cases, strong Christians need to accept this situation as both David and Jesus did, and in the mean time build up others in their faith through that example.

Application: There are times when I have been directly challenged about my faith, and this verse would instruct me that these people are not talking about me. They are talking about one of two things - their lack of belief in God or Jesus and thus rejection of the concept of faith; or issues they have with "Christians" who may have confused or hurt them in the past. As instructed by Paul, I need to understand and accept this as fact. There is nothing I can do about this, because the same thing happened to Jesus ... he was rejected and insulted by those who either misunderstood God or had no belief at all. If Jesus was insulted, of course I will be all the more.

As I enter a season where this will be more likely again - where I will be publicly "out there" as a Christian before others - I need to have my heart prepares so I can respond in a way that honors Jesus. This involves listening to the words of the Holy Spirit, while also avoiding any sort of negative response. I don't do this for myself. I don't bear negative comments for my own self-improvement. I do it to demonstrate the love of Jesus, because I do believe in the Gospel.

Prayer: Abba, you are so great, so powerful, so wonderful, so loving, so faithful!! I cannot even begin to return your love to you or pass it on to others. However, I will strive to do so. I ask for your love and patience as I enter this season of service through the July 4 parade. May I gently guide other believers in their service, and may I be your witness before non-believers. Let their strong questions come, and allow your Spirit - not I - to respond. Amen.