Ever had it when people look down on you? Or you know they talk about you? Or even defy you? You won’t hear it for yourself, but you can feel it. Situations, eye-contact, body-language; it says it all.

One lesson we can learn from the Bible, well actually more…

• Turn the other cheek – Matthew 5: 38,39 – ‘You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.’
• Turn around and walk away (move on) – Luke 9: 55, 56 – A Sanaritan village rejects the Savior – ‘But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.
• Be humble and lowly – Ephesians 4: 1-3 – Paul – ‘I, therefor, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’

Jesus is our biggest example and as followers of Him, we can learn from that. When Jesus was in situations as described in the introduction, gave His ‘enemies’ one answer/reply. After that, He ‘shakes’ it off and moves on. For myself, this is something I could work on. I can keep mulling around about things for days, which is not healthy for a brain or your household around you. This ‘silent-war’ within ourselves about certain situations can eat us alive. But instead it can also make you stronger.

Jesus life on earth and His journey brought Him at the cross. All the situations He’s been put through as a sinless Man are mind-blowing. He knew what would be ahead; He mentally prepared for it. Not by arguing, not by mulling over. No, by giving in, being humble and turning the other cheek. Our life-journeys are full of sin, however, our life’s will also come to an end on earth some day… Are we preparing for that? Or are we arguing, mulling over?

Pray for strength, you’ll need your Father in heaven; Jesus did too. God will strengthen us through the Holy Spirit. His nearness will comfort and lighten our disappointments.

Remember the good situations, as we often forget those. There are so many good things happening around us! Not necessary seen or spoken of. God works in mysterious ways!

So: Shake it off and cheer up!!!