What Grace it requires when we are misunderstood yet handle it correctly, or when we are judged unkindly yet receive it in a holy sweetness! Nothing tests our character as a Christian more than having something evil said about us. This kind of grinding test is what exposes whether we are  solid gold or simply gold plated metal. If we could only see the blessings that lie hidden in our trials, we would say like David, “It may be that the Lord will repay me with good for all the cursing I have received today.” 2 Samuel 16:11. Some Christians are easily turned away from the greatness of their life’s calling by pursuing instead their own grievances and enemies. They ultimately turn their lives into one petty whirlwind of warfare. It reminds me of trying to deal with the hornets nest. You may be able to disperse the hornets but you will probably be terribly stung and receive nothing for your pain. May God grant us more of the Spirit of Christ, who, when they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate. Instead, he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3. Streams in the Desert Devotional; Cowman.