11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. —Proverbs 19:11
31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. 32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. —Proverbs 15:31-32
19 For this is a gracious thing, WHEN, MINDFUL OF GOD, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. —1 Peter 2:19
We overlook the offenses by looking up to God.
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? —1 Peter 4:12-17
1. God
every time you are wronged
20 …But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. —1 Peter 2:20
21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. —1 Peter 2:21
2. God
every time you are wronged
6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. —1 Peter 1:6-7
On this side of heaven, offenses are part of the necessary tools God uses to grow, stretch and perfect our faith.
3. God
every time you are wronged
22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. —1 Peter 2:22-23
11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. —Proverbs 19:11