I was driving up the four lane highway about to go under a bridge. I noticed a guy just standing there on top of the bridge looking down at the traffic.

As I drove under… he spat on me! He had great aim because it went right in the middle of my windshield.

What do you do in a situation like that? Do you stick your arm out the window and make a gesture that is unbecoming of a minister of the Gospel?

Don’t worry, I didn’t do that! lol

I just used my windshield wipers and kept on truckin’.

It’s a simple illustration about life. There are many times when someone else’s bad attitude can tarnish yours. They do something to insult, threaten or degrade you, and it tempts you to return the favour.

In 1 Peter 3:9 the apostle was counselling Christians in circumstances way more serious than being spat on. They were being severely persecuted for their faith. This is what he said:

“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.”

In life, people will do things to insult, threaten or degrade you. But think of Christ. Think of his great love for you and for others. Because of that, don’t play their game—plays yours.

Don’t contribute to the mess, just bless.

Don’t let someone else’s attitude tarnish yours.

By Matthew Ruttan

–This Sunday on June 2nd I’m preaching about “Big Hope” at Westminster in Barrie. [Here’s a Google map.] The more confidence we have about what will happen in the end times, gives us confidence for these times. It’s about Big Hope for life today in the footsteps of Jesus.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.