October 7

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. — Isa 53:7 BSB

It takes a lot of grace to handle a misunderstanding well and to receive unfair criticism with a gentle spirit. Nothing tests a Christian character more than when something unkind or false is said about us. It’s in moments like these that we discover whether our faith is genuine or just for show. Like polishing silver, these moments reveal if we are solid gold or merely surface-deep.

If only we could see the hidden blessings in such trials, we would respond like David when Shimei cursed him, saying, “Let him curse; maybe the Lord will repay me good for his cursing today.”

Some people get so distracted by pursuing their own grievances and retaliating against their enemies that they lose focus on the greater work God has called them to. Their lives become consumed with a petty, never-ending cycle of conflict. It’s like stirring up a nest of hornets. Even if you disperse them, you’ll get stung in the process, and the effort isn’t worth it because there’s no honey to gain.

May God give us more of His Spirit, who, when insulted, did not retaliate, but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly.

Let us consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself.