Hebrews 12:3

What grace it requires when we are misunderstood yet handle it correctly , or when we are judged unkindl y yet receive it in holy sweetness! Nothing tests our character as a Christian more than having something evil said about us. This kind of grinding test is what exposes whether we are solid gold or simply gold-plated meta l.

If we could only see the blessings that lie hidden in our trials, we would say like David, when Shimei cursed him, “Let him curse, for the LORD will return good to me instead of his cursing this day” (2 Samuel 16:1 1–12 NASB).

And I said, O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.—If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your's also.—I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; . . . but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.—Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty: and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.