“Just let it roll off your back.” Have you been given that advice after receiving a rude comment?
We picture water droplets sliding off of a duck’s back and think we should easily do the same with unkind words dropped on us.
We don’t usually consider, though, how diligently ducks work so that the water rolls off of them. Ducks spend ample time cleaning and interlocking their feathers to prevent water from seeping in. They also have to apply a special oil over their feathers for that same reason. This preening takes intention!
Might it be that letting rude comments roll off our back takes some prep work on our part? We may need to prepare our hearts to ward against getting mad or feeling offended when unkindness comes our way.
It helps to remember regularly that God forgives us. How can we not forgive another human when Jesus was sacrificed for our forgiveness? We can never be offended to the same degree Jesus was. Out of immense gratitude for the forgiveness God extended to us, we should forgive those who hurt us.
That can be hard to do sometimes, especially when the harm is intentional. But just like we were enemies to God before Jesus redeemed us, so we are to love those who are against us. We read in Luke 6:35-36, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (NIV, letter B in Keep on Track).
Not only are we to bear with each other and forgive each other (Colossians 3:13a NIV), but we are to pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:28b). These aren’t always the first actions that come to mind.
But, God wants to help us live in the ways that honor him, because he loves us. As a gracious Father, he gives us what we need, which includes the Holy Spirit who works in us as we seek to live in God’s will.
Maybe then we’ll be able to let things roll off our back – like a duck.
Like a duck cleaning its feathers - Are we cleaning our thoughts, getting rid of the unkindness and self-righteousness? (Philippians 4:8)
Like a duck interlocking its feathers - Are we connecting our thoughts to what God desires, not only in what he wants but in light of who he is? (Colossians 3:2)
Like a duck protecting its feathers with oil – Are we guarding our thoughts, asking God to keep us from sin? (James 4:7)
If we put our mind and heart to the matter, maybe we’ll feel those rude comments just roll off us.
Keep your thoughts on what God desires when you memorize scriptures using Heart Training!