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It’s not easy to overlook a malicious insult.

And I’m sure that you’ve had plenty of occasions in life when you were confronted with such remarks.

But that’s what we should do if we’re to be seen as wise in the eyes of the Lord.

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult” (Proverbs 12:16)

Part of being a pastor is being confronted periodically with insults intended to undercut influence or simply cause pain for some reason.

Remember, we’re people dealing with people.

And people aren’t perfect.

Sometimes, they make bad choices.

Of course, we sometimes make bad choices, too.

Ocassionally, there is the opportunity for the insultee to talk with the insulter in order to move toward forgiveness and reconciliation.

Other times, though, there are not “ears to hear” and our choice — whether pastor or layperson — is simply to overlook the insult and lay it at the foot of the cross.

We’ve got better things to do than to fret over the hurt.

Overlooking an insult is not prudent because we’re letting the offender off the hook. Instead, it is prudent because we’re not allowing the insult to distract us from our Kingdom mission and because we’re trusting that God sees what is happening, knowing He’ll deal with the situation in a perfect, lasting way.

Even if it takes a long time for the person to change.

Perhaps that one firing insults won’t change.

We’ll just have more opportunity to demonstrate faith and imitate the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ who heard untold numbers of hurtful insults, yet continued showing grace to all.

He’s our example. Let’s do our best to imitate Him.

As always, I love you
Martin

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