If you put yourself out there, you’re going to take a hit at one time or another. Sometimes I do or say something that comes close to the edge, but still on this side of it, and then people get upset and I get some mud thrown at me. Sometimes it hurts a little. Sometimes I wonder why people have to be so rude.

I know the children of the Lord is not guaranteed the inside lane.

But it’s never nice when a bunch of ugly words comes your way. I’m always amazed that one human being can attack another human being with so many abusive and unnecessary words.

But we’re not alone. Thousands of people before us also had to withstand floods of words: ³³Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends.

So, let’s make peace with the fact that we’ll be insulted and abused because we believe in Jesus. When we stand up for the rights of others or maybe take the side of the underdog who’s being treated unjustly, then you’ll have to take the hits – it’s part of the package.

Then we have to be wise enough not to retaliate, which is our default response. We want to stand up and fight. We want to justify ourselves. We want to point out the other person’s shortcomings.

But we must realise that it’s not going to have an effect here. The opposing person has always been like that and what you say is not going to change them just like that.

We don’t always have to be crowned the winner of the fight. Sometimes you’re the winner simply by saying nothing. Often, you’re the bigger person simply because you turn around and walk away with a bag of wisdom.

And remember, often we must experience verbal abuse to experience what it’s like so that we can help others. I know it’s not easy and sometimes you get fed up because you have to go through all this stuff just so that you can help others down the line. But it is our calling, because we can help others caught in a difficult situation.

So, take the hits. You can be the strong one and turn the other cheek. The reward is so much better. Remember, it’s not always easy to believe in Jesus. People can try and trip you up, but I would like to encourage you to keep going and to endure. In that way, we remain true children of Jesus.

Scripture
Hebrews 10:32-39

Reflection
Where are you hurting?
Where are others hurting?
Where can you help?

Prayer
Father God, this isn’t easy, but I know that with power from You, we can withstand the attacks. Amen.