Trust God; Don’t Retaliate.
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23
Several years ago, it was popular to see the letters “W.W.J.D.” printed on wristbands, stickers, t-shirts and other apparel. It stood for “What would Jesus do?” and it was encouragement for Christians to think about how Jesus might act in their situation.
The verse above gives us a direct example of what Jesus did in response to opposition and ridicule. And it’s important to note that he wasn’t suffering for doing anything wrong. No one ever demonstrated more love and compassion for the people around him, yet they were hurling insults at him. Why? Because he held the narrow view that all people are sinners and that there’s only one way to be made right with God. Jesus said that he was the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one could come to God, except through him (John 14:6). Despite his love for them, they hated Jesus for pointing out their need for him.
As followers of Jesus, we too will face opposition and ridicule if we faithfully represent his kingdom. In living obediently before Christ, we should show undying love for those around us, yet our view that everyone has sinned and that the shed blood of Jesus is the only way to God, will sometimes make us targets of ridicule.
When we suffer for speaking the truth in love, we know what Jesus would do. Though he had the power to crush the opposition and put them in their place, he made no threats and did not retaliate. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Are you facing ridicule for your faith in Jesus? Trust God and don’t retaliate.
Having begun as a guest speaker in 2005, Dan was appointed Interim Pastor in 2008 and has been serving Maple Root Baptist ever since. As a small group leader and Chaplin for the Connecticut Tigers, Dan has a heart for the lost and the God that saves them.