1 Peter 2:23 - When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

In 1 Peter 2:23, we see a powerful example of gentleness and restraint in the face of unjust suffering. The verse speaks of Jesus, who when he was insulted and reviled, did not retaliate or lash out in return. Even as he suffered immensely on the cross, he did not make threats against his persecutors. Instead, Jesus entrusted himself to God the Father, who is the righteous judge. This short verse encapsulates so much about Jesus' character and the way he responded to mistreatment. He had every right to be angry, bitter, and vengeful. He was completely innocent, yet was mocked, beaten and crucified in the most horrific way. In the midst of such agony and injustice, it would have been understandable for Jesus to cry out threats and curses at those who were tormenting him. Yet Jesus chose a different path - the path of gentleness, grace and trust in his Heavenly Father. He embodied meekness, which is strength under control. Jesus had infinite power available to him, but chose to restrain it. He could have called down legions of angels to rescue him and exact revenge (Matthew 26:53). But instead, he humbly endured the cross out of love for us. Jesus left us an example to follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21). When we are mistreated, insulted, and wronged, everything in our flesh wants to strike back and get even. But Jesus shows us a better way. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can respond with gentleness, kindness and blessing (1 Peter 3:9). We can entrust ourselves to our loving Father, knowing he will ultimately judge all things rightly. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate him in his gentleness. This is not weakness or passivity, but courageous restraint that overcomes evil with good (Romans 12:21). May God give us the grace to walk in the gentleness of Christ, even in the face of unjust suffering. As we do, we bear powerful witness to our Savior, who "when he was reviled, did not revile in return."

The example of gentleness that Jesus demonstrated on the cross is both beautiful and extremely challenging. It goes against every natural instinct we have when we are wronged. When someone hurts us, our immediate reaction is often to lash out and hurt them back. We want justice and we want it now. But Jesus shows us that there is a higher way - a way of gentleness and trust. What strikes me about this verse is the phrase "he did not revile in return." The word "revile" means to criticize in an abusive or hostile way, or to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language. Jesus was on the receiving end of the worst reviling imaginable as he hung on the cross. He was mocked, insulted, and literally spat upon. Yet he did not open his mouth to revile back. He kept entrusting himself to his Father. This challenges me to the core. How often do I revile others when I feel attacked or mistreated? Whether it's with my words, my tone, or my attitude, I can so easily lash out when I'm hurt. But Jesus absorbed all the reviling, criticism and contempt like a sponge, without returning it. He overcame the screaming temptation to revile in return. That is true strength cloaked in gentleness. I'm also struck by the phrase "he continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." In the midst of cruel suffering, Jesus kept entrusting himself to God. He refused to take matters into his own hands, but kept releasing himself into his Father's hands. This is the key to walking in gentleness when we are wronged. We entrust the situation and ourselves to God, knowing he is the righteous judge who will make all things right. As I reflect on Jesus' gentleness on the cross, I'm reminded that he suffered for me. It was my sin that put him there. He took the reviling, mockery and shame I deserved. He bore God's wrath against my sin, so that I could be forgiven and reconciled to God. When I'm tempted to revile others, I need to remember how much I've been forgiven. I need to drink deeply of the gentleness and grace Jesus has shown me. Jesus was reviled so I could be accepted. He was condemned so I could be forgiven. He absorbed the wrath of God so I could be embraced by God. When I marinate in this gospel reality, it empowers me to extend the same gentleness to others that has been lavished on me. May I go forth with fresh faith to walk in the footsteps of my gentle Savior.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the beautiful example of gentleness that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. Though he was reviled, he did not revile in return. Though he suffered, he did not threaten, but kept entrusting himself to you. Forgive me for the many times I fail to walk in his gentle footsteps. I confess that I often lash out and revile others when I feel hurt or mistreated. I take matters into my own hands instead of releasing them into yours. Have mercy on me, Lord. Thank you Jesus for bearing the reviling, mockery and shame that I deserved. Thank you for absorbing the wrath of God against my sin, so that I could be forgiven and accepted. Let this gospel reality sink deep into my heart and transform me from the inside out. Help me to walk in the same gentleness you displayed on the cross. When I am insulted, mistreated, or wronged, give me your supernatural strength to not revile in return. Empower me to overcome evil with good, and to entrust myself to you, the righteous judge. May your Spirit fill me afresh with your gentleness, kindness, and grace. Let my life be a living sermon of your gentleness. May others see your beauty and power on display as I choose the path of humble, courageous restraint. Use me as your instrument to extend your gentleness to a harsh and hostile world. Thank you that you are continuing your gentle work in my heart until the day you return or call me home. I pray all of this in the strong and gentle name of Jesus. Amen.