Did not revile

who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; - 1 Peter 2.23

The previous passage tells us that through His sufferings Jesus set us an example that we should follow in His steps. Here that teaching continues with a couple more examples of how this plays out.

When Jesus was reviled – He did not revile in return

When Jesus suffered – He did not threaten

Jesus trusted God to sort things out for Him.

And this is part of ‘following in His steps.’

This is one of those things that runs totally contrary to what we think or how we are inclined to act. When someone ‘reviles’ us we naturally want ‘revile them right back.’ It started when we were kids and it seems like we just can’t quit. When somebody calls us a name, or insults us, or  attacks, or whatever, we think we have to do the same back to them. It actually seems to get worse instead of better as we get older.

But Jesus did the opposite. He literally had all the power on heaven and earth to respond and destroy His opponents – but He did nothing. He did not revile. He did not threaten.

When I think about how little it takes to get me to respond or retaliate I am ashamed and embarrassed. My pride won’t let me not respond.

We have brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are dying for their faith in Christ. Why is it that it takes so little to provoke us to an ungodly response.

Lord, strengthen me to ‘revile not’ when I am reviled by others and thereby be more like Jesus.