Proverbs 12:16
A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man stays cool when insulted.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All
rights reserved.
Recently, a 2016 Presidential
candidate commented to the media that another candidate could not be
elected…because of her face. He quickly began to backpedal and say that
he wasn’t actually referring to her physical appearance…but rather, he
was referencing her persona. It’s hard to imagine that anybody bought
his excuses. But rather than throw stones in his direction, this woman
did something that was rather extraordinary – especially in an age when
mud-slinging has risen to an all-time high! This candidate put out an
ad that features dozens of women who represent the “face” of America
today.
In a televised political debate, the woman was asked how
she felt about the comments made against her, and she firmly stated…”I
think women very clearly heard what [he] said.”
I have
deliberately not named either candidate. This is not really about
either of them. And I will say that I have heard this woman hurl
insults at other candidates…though not to the degree of the one
delivered in her direction. But we would do well to look at her very
public reaction to what had to be a hurtful affront. It is human nature
to want to retort…to strike back and wound the person who has offended
us. And the question we have to ask ourselves is, “Would Jesus do
this? Would He approve of such a response?”
We have the perfect
example in Jesus of someone who did not retaliate…and let me remind you
that He had more than enough reasons to do so! There are times to speak
up…to stand up for your convictions and set the record straight. But
there are ways to do this…to prayerfully and carefully respond with
dignity befitting a Disciple of Christ. And honestly, there are times
when it’s best to simply back away and let the insult lie. As in the
case I have shared…the ugliness of the comments spoke for itself. No
retort was really necessary – certainly not a negative or hateful one.
I’ll
be the first to say that this is challenging territory. Our human
instinct is to repay “an eye for an eye.” But we are also told in this
scripture passage to hold our tongue. In Matthew 5:28-30, we are
reminded to “turn the other cheek”…and this is exactly what Jesus did.
So how can we justify any other response?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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