Carol Swenson
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INSULT(S) (Attack, Hurt, Slander)
How should we respond to insults?
BIBLE READING: Judges 12:1-7
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Then the tribe of Ephraim mobilized its army at Zaphon and sent this message to Jephthah: “Why didn’t you call for us to help you fight against Ammon? We are going to burn down your house, with you in it!” (Judges 12:1, TLB)
We should not act in response to insults spoken against us. Israel had just won a great battle, but instead of joy, there was pettiness and quarreling. The tribe of Ephraim was angry and jealous that they were not invited to join in the fighting (although Jephthah said he had invited them). The insults of the Ephraimites enraged Jephthah, who called out his troops and killed forty-two thousand men from Ephraim.
Jephthah usually spoke before he acted, but this time his revenge was swift. It cost Israel dearly, and it might have been avoided. Insulting others and being jealous are not right responses when we feel left out. But seeking revenge for an insult is just as wrong, and very costly.
BIBLE READING: Proverbs 12:1-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man stays cool when insulted. (Proverbs 12:16, TLB)
Our response to insults should be deliberate and controlled. When someone annoys or insults you, it is natural to retaliate. But this solves nothing and only encourages trouble. Instead, answer slowly and quietly. Your positive response will achieve positive results. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.”
BIBLE READING: John 2:13-23
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Concern for God’s House will be my undoing.” (John 2:17, TLB)
Every evil act is an insult against God. Jesus took the evil acts in the temple as an insult against God, and thus he did not deal with them halfheartedly. He was consumed with righteous anger against such flagrant disrespect for God. If we have been insulted without cause we can be sure that God has also been insulted. We must leave the final results in God’s hands and respond as he has directed us to respond.
(The Handbook of Bible Application)
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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