There’s a billboard company in my area that likes to post nice slogans on its signs when it doesn’t have paid clients. “Kyoto—Targets Bring Results” declares one environmentally conscious poster. “Knowledge Speaks but Wisdom Listens” reads another. “Love Nature—Love God” says a third. These fill-in billboards are always nice, sweet, and kind.
But a strange thing happened recently. Driving to work one morning, I noticed the billboards had changed—along with their tone. “Don’t Buy from [name removed]!” read one sign, taking a shot at one of our large Australian supermarket chains. “[name removed] Treated Us Badly” read another.
The nice slogans of the billboard operator turned sour when a client disappointed them.
There’s a stark lesson in those billboards. Do we really mean the kind words we say? Does our facade of niceness melt when we’re wronged or disappointed?
According to Scripture, true character is revealed through conflict. “Bless those who persecute you,” the apostle Paul told the Romans (12:14). “Never pay back evil with more evil,” he wrote (v.17). We’re not to take revenge, Paul reminds us, but to conquer evil with good (vv.19-21).
Paul told his protégé Timothy to display love and purity when being persecuted (1 Timothy 4:12) and to oppose false teachers with gentleness and patience (2 Timothy 2:25, 4:2). The apostle Peter encouraged his flock to live such good lives that their accusers’ claims would be proven false (1 Peter 2:12,20)—imitating Jesus, who didn’t retaliate when He was insulted or threaten revenge when He suffered (v.23).
Sentiments of kindness are mere slogans if they can’t withstand the harsh test of conflict.
More:
• Matthew 5:43-48
• 1 Peter 3:9-12
Next:
Think about a recent conflict when a godly response was difficult. How might you respond differently today? How will you participate with the Holy Spirit to express deep kindness to others?
blessing on August 9, 2010 at 7:33 am
indeed, being able to love even when others mistreat us should be what we work towards. it is not always easy i agree but that is why we have the holy spirit in us. i feel really encouraged to continue in well doing
conmeo on August 9, 2010 at 10:32 am
Thank You for this message. Some of you may know of my troubles and this is a great reminder to ask for softening of hearts. What a blessing our Lord really is wonderful. Pray for those struggling with separation from family members please. May God bless us all!
laincy on August 9, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Being away from home for the past 5 years, working abroad, I have been away from my two young sons, and I missed growing up with them.
Life is tough abroad, and it is so lonely, and unmotivated, except that, when I am alone, I know, God is with me. I have really walked through the ‘valley of the shadow of death’ and I have really experience HIS rod and HIS staff that really comforts me.
When we are down, out and trodden, always remember, it is GOD’s count on putting things right, not us.
Fitzman on August 12, 2010 at 8:44 am
“Abide in Me” Jesus says. “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” It is only through the Holy Spirit of truth that we can love people who are set against us. I still have trouble with my family because I don’t respond well to criticism–even after being saved almost forty years.
“Thank You, Lord, for grace and mercy.”