How can we respond when mocked for our faith, as in Psalm 69:11? Setting the Scene: Psalm 69:11 “I made sackcloth my clothing, and I became a byword to them.” (Psalm 69:11) • David wears sackcloth—a public sign of repentance—yet people still laugh at him. • The mockery is not light teasing; it is scorn aimed at someone who is openly pursuing God. Why We Should Expect Ridicule • 2 Timothy 3:12—“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” • John 15:18—“If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” • Psalm 69 shows this has always been the pattern for God’s people; Scripture declares it so, and we take it literally. Biblical Responses to Mockery 1. Rejoice in the privilege • Matthew 5:11-12—“Blessed are you when people insult you… Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” 2. Refuse retaliation • Romans 12:17—“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” • 1 Peter 2:23—Jesus “did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats.” 3. Rest in God’s vindication • Psalm 69:29—“But I am in pain and distress; let Your salvation protect me, O God.” • Isaiah 50:7—“The Lord GOD helps Me; therefore I have set My face like flint.” 4. Remember the unseen blessing • 1 Peter 4:14—“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” Living This Out Day-to-Day • Keep your tone gentle—Proverbs 15:1. • Pray for those who mock—Luke 6:28. • Stay connected to believers who will strengthen you—Hebrews 10:24-25. • Let your conduct silence slander—1 Peter 2:15. • Guard your heart with worship and Scripture memory—Psalm 119:11. Promised Outcomes to Hold Fast • God honors faithfulness—1 Samuel 2:30. • He comforts the afflicted—2 Corinthians 1:3-4. • He turns ridicule into a testimony—Genesis 50:20. • Eternal reward outweighs temporary scorn—2 Corinthians 4:17. In a Sentence When the world turns our obedience into a punchline, we refuse to trade insults; instead, we cling to God’s truth, follow Christ’s example, and trust Him to turn present mockery into future glory. |
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