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).

Some Christians are easily turned away from the greatness of their life’s calling by pursuing instead their own grievances and enemies. They ultimately turn their lives into one petty whirlwind of warfare . It reminds me of trying to deal with a hornet’ s nest. You may be able to disperse the hornets, but you will probably be terribly stung and receive nothing for your pain, for even their honey has no value.

May God grant us more of the Spirit of Christ, who, “when they hurled their insults at him, . . . did not retaliate. . . . Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3). A. B. S IMPSON

For you He walked along the path of woe, He was sharply struck with His head bent low . He knew the deepest sorr ow, pain, and grief, He knew long endurance with no r elief, He took all the bitter fr om death’ s deep cup, He kept no blood dr ops but gave them all up. Yes, for you, and for me, He won the fight To take us to glory and r ealms of light. L. S. P .