When my children were in middle school, a keen sense of rivalry existed for who could hurl the most stinging insults and put-downs. It was crucial never to show hurt feelings, even when insults cut to the bone. The sad fact was, some children had to live a life of duplicity – feeling a certain way but acting contrary to that feeling.
Not only did these children have to be shrewd in dishing out insults, but in projecting strength that was above being put down. The objective was to disguise hurt feelings. Thank God this behavior tapered off following middle school but, for some, it served as training for living a life of duplicity.
While these insults were issued in humor by some children, humor can be treacherous. So be careful when you throw stones, for they may inflict pain that never heals. Isaiah 53:9 portrays Jesus as having no deceit or malice. So follow his lead and permit kindness and gentleness to replace all malice and deceit.
__________
[Jesus] died without a
thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of his people…even
though he’d never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn’t true.
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