Matthew 2:23 And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

This is the most obscure quote in the whole NT, because there is nowhere in the entire OT, even including the Apocrypha, that has the words, “He will be called a Nazarene.” However, as several scholars have pointed out, there are many places that say the Messiah would be insulted, and as is clear from the story of the calling of Nathanael, in Jesus’ day being from Nazareth was insulting in and of itself. (John 1:44-46) I find that answer satisfying in light of the whole of Scripture, and it points up a very important principle: we are to sacrifice our pride to follow Christ. Jesus pointed out to His disciples how He was verbally insulted, and said they could expect the same. (Matthew 10:24-25) That is certainly evident today in the US, where people who stand on Biblical principles are called homophobic, hateful, and a lot of worse things. It is amply proven that the children’s proverb, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” couldn’t be more wrong. Often, wounds generated by verbal abuse are far longer lasting than physical injury. A Christian is called to bear up under both for the sake of Christ, just as He did for us.

I have certainly been on the receiving end of verbal abuse, and I’m sorry to say, I’ve given it as well. James points out the irony of this in James 3:9-12. I am not to respond in kind to verbal abuse, but kindly. (English is an interesting language!) Just as Isaiah prophesied (Isaiah 53:7) Jesus did not respond to the verbal abuse that was heaped on Him at His trials before Pilate and Herod, to their amazement. To be honest, I have a hard time holding my tongue in such circumstances. As the early Church did, I am to count it an honor to be insulted for the name of Christ. (Acts 5:41, 1 Peter 4:14) At the same time, I am to do all I can to keep my tongue from being an instrument of wounding. Particularly in my teenage years, my tongue was my major weapon, and I used it freely. I’ve got to remember that my true enemy is the devil, and deploy the Sword of the Spirit against him, rather than using his tactics against those he has deceived.

Father, thank You for the growth I have seen in this area over the years. It’s certainly taken a long time! I still have some “hot button” areas that require active submission to You when they are pressed. Help me be consistent in my submission. May my words be instruments of blessing, building people up and setting them free from the traps of the enemy, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!