Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16 NIV.  When a stubborn fool is irritated, he shows it immediately, but a sensible person hides the insult. Proverbs 16:12 GOD’s Word Translation

In the 1970’s, actor Robert Conrad hosted a series of commercials for Ever Ready Batteries. At the end of the commercial he would put a battery on top of his shoulder, look at the camera and say, “I dare you to knock this off”.  There was no doubt that he was ready to fight.

How easy is it to overlook an insult for you? Who causes the quickest reaction in your life? Is it weakness or strength to remain quiet? How do you resist allowing the matter to be unresolved and boiling below the surface?

  • Teflon coat your heart with a forgiving attitude. Most insults originate from hurt that the other person is trying to resolve. Maybe they were offended by you earlier. Maybe there is a jealousy or envy that they have about your life. When the insult comes, be prepared with forgiveness. It makes the insult “unstickable” on your heart.
  • Return blessing for cursing. When you use your words to bless the other person it immediately changes the atmosphere within your own heart. It also begins the de escalation process. 
    • Try to make the blessing real and not sarcastic. This is not a blessing, “Not everybody can be a smart as you.” 
    • Rather say something like this, “you have a keen observation for detail, which one of your parents had that quality?”
  • Ask God to reveal the hidden, unresolved angers in your own life. Why do you get mad so easily with other drivers? Are you making your lateness their fault? Do you consider yourself superior to them? Are you still thinking about the argument that you just had with a spouse or work employee? 
  • Be careful of the “everybody else has a problem”. Humility starts with an attitude of “except for the grace of God, there go I.” It is true that others are struggling. Their problems do not give you right to behave poorly.

Allow the Holy Spirit to correct areas of your life that you have kept Him off at a distance. You will move toward greater freedom. Sometimes it is appropriate to respond, other times silence is the best answer. The Holy Spirit will lead you with the correct nudgings. 

Go ahead and be a blessing. I dare you to try some humility and honor to others.

Blessings Love y’all