Let That Insult Slide

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42, NIV
You are going about your business when someone tosses an insult your way, and not in a joking manner, either. How do you respond? Do you give back just as good as you got? Or do you ignore the person and the insult?Not surprisingly, the Bible advocates the more challenging option. “Losing your temper is foolish; ignoring an insult is smart” (Proverbs 12:16). Responding well to an insult takes self-control. It is not easy, but it can be done. Here’s how.

1. Take a moment to mull it over. When someone insults you, pause for a couple of beats before you respond. Consider the person’s circumstances. Might he be having a bad day? Might he be taking out his frustrations on you? 
2. Say a quick prayer. Send up a quick prayer to God. Ask him to give you the wisdom and understanding you need to respond to the insult in a way that pleases him. 
3. Choose to take the high road. 

If you do choose to respond to the person who insults you, get his side of the story. Find out why he insulted you. Let him know how you feel about it. Whatever you do, though, don’t get drawn into a conflict. And don’t stoop to repaying insult for insult.

Taken from:100 Ways the Bible Can Change Your Life. Time Home Entertainment, Inc. New York, New York: 2013. p. 125.