The Lodestar

Enduring reproaches is essential to Christian life, and Christ calls it a blessed state. The writer of Hebrews congratulates his readers for enduring reproaches besides physical abuse that they had gone through and encourages them to be prepared for more. “But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated” (Heb 10:32—33). Despite all this, they must continue their race: “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (Heb 10:35). Being reviled for Christ’s sake is a matter of pride, not shame.

King David is an example in the Old Testament for those who suffered reproach. While fleeing for his life, Shimei cursed him and even pelted stones at him. When David’s bodyguards asked him permission to slay Shimei, he stopped them, saying that it may be the will of God for him. “And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, ‘Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to’” (2 Sam 16:11). David modelled how to process abuse.

When we become victims of oral (and physical) abuse, absorbing it all is not the right approach to process it. But we should bring them to God in prayer. David, who suffered a lot of insults, prayed, “Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue” (Psa 120:2). Our Lord set the supreme example by praying for those who abused and tortured him, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Praying and interceding for those who revile us is being Christ-like in this corrupt, ungodly world. When

When reproach and insult find their way to us, remember that we walk a path our Lord Himself has trodden. Rather than allowing bitterness to root, bring your wounds to the One who understands. Pray for those who wrong you, not in resentment, but in quiet hope for their redemption. In these moments, we are nearest to the heart of Christ. This week, pause and lift in prayer the names of those who have caused you pain — and let grace do its silent, sacred work within you.