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Insulted, and Blessed

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ ESV)

Most people do not think of an insult as a blessing. But God does. God says that when you are insulted for the name of Christ you are blessed because God's Spirit rests on you.

Let's break this verse down. Being insulted or reviled for the name of Christ brings blessing. You could get insulted for a bunch of other things and you might even deserve it. But being reviled for being identified with Jesus is cause for great rejoicing, God says. That's pretty counterintuitive. First of all no insult is good. Even when we have acted badly. Even when we seem to deserve it. All people should be treated with respect and honor and not be insulted. But it happens all the time and when it happens because you are a Christian God is pleased with you.

This verse says that when you are insulted for Christ, God's Spirit rests on you. What exactly does that mean? The Greek word for "rest" is anapauō, which means to give rest, to give a break or an intermission from labor. Like taking a nap. You know how refreshed you feel after taking a nap. By implication, God's Spirit resting on you means that God will refresh you. You are refreshed in Christ when you're insulted for Christ. God renews your strength, builds substance into you, and prepares you for further service. That is a great blessing. Oh to be insulted, and blessed for Jesus and the Gospel.

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