Who is Likely to be Insulted in Today's World?

Dealing with Hurt Feelings

Before we answer that question, let's look at some Scripture verses for a Biblical perspective.

• Psalm 69:9  “The insults of those who insult you (God) have fallen on me (David).”
• Proverbs 12:16  “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
• Luke 11:45  One of the experts in the law (Pharisees) answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”
• Matthew 5:11  Blessed are you (believers, disciples) when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
• Jeremiah 20:8  Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction.  So the word of the Lord has brought me (Jeremiah, a prophet of God) insult and reproach all day long.
• Psalm 41:9  Even my close friend (Absalom? Ahinidab? Judas?) in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me (David, Jesus).
• Isaiah 51:7 Hear me, you who know what is right (moral people), you people who have taken my instruction to heart (believers): Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults.

According to just these few verses, King David, Jeremiah, Jesus, God, foolish people, prudent people, lawkeepers, believers, disciples and moral people are subject to being insulted. I think it is reasonable to add a whole host of other people, but the point is the same.  EVERYBODY is subject to being insulted or having their feelings hurt.  

That may not give you a whole lot of consolation. Or it might be radically freeing. To think that my pain is shared by the Lord gives me great comfort.  I am not alone -- even if no other person around me shares my experience. God knows and He understands. 

Lord, help me to recognize the hurts in my heart and to give them to you. You, alone, can truly understand and can give me peace.