1 Peter 2:22-23

“Jesus committed no sin, and no deceit was in his mouth.”  When they hurled 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 2:22-23

Dear Jesus,

How easily I will respond to criticism with a return volley of cutting remarks.  I know that when I do that I just want to get even by giving a person a piece of their own medicine.  But you left me the example that you want me to follow.  You met sarcasm and insult with love and understanding.  You put a wet blanket on the fires of verbal abuse and helped the person see love in your face.  You weren’t so interested in winning an argument as in winning a person over to grace.  I repent of my sharp tongue and ask you to be merciful to me as you patiently teach me how to speak salve into every wound.  Make me an instrument of your peace that sows pardon and peace in the hearts of others.  Today, help me catch my loose tongue and wrangle it to become a workhorse for your goodness. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

It’s best to let insults evaporate under the heat of forgiving love.