“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” —Matthew 5:11-12 NIV
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:13-16 NIV
“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” —Matthew 24:10 NKJV
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come…” —Luke 17:1 NKJV
An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. —Proverbs 18:19 NIV

I respond to insults and accusations by choosing to

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. —Proverbs 10:12 NIV
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. —Proverbs 12:16 NIV
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. —Proverbs 19:11 NIV

I respond to insults and accusations by keeping my heart free from

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. —Luke 11:4 NIV
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. —Colossians 3:13 NIV

I respond to insults and accusations by

“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.” —Matthew 5:38-41 NIV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” —Matthew 5:43-44 NIV
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” —Luke 6:27-28 NIV
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. —1 Peter 3:9 NIV
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:17-21 NIV

I respond to insults and accusations by remembering

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. —2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. —2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV

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