Elizabeth Lawrence: How Do You Handle An Insult?

Friday, December 17, 2021

How Do You Handle An Insult?

Last Update: July 17, 2021

You heard someone remark about you. Then you said, "I'm insulted by that comment." We've all felt the sting of an insult. It hurts. it cuts.. And it's even worst when it comes from another family member.

The place where life ought to be the safest is often the riskiest - the home. We cut loose at home more than we do elsewhere. All it takes is a bit of sarcasm to unleash a counterattack and soon it's a matter of who can top who. Why is the home so vulnerable to attack?

First, in the family, you know each other so well that you know where to jab. Children as well as spouses, look for targets either to get a reaction or to retaliate. Even when we know there will be retaliation we still do it.

Another reason we attack each other is that we know we can get away with it. You can't resign from your family or fire your family members. You're stuck with each other.

Sometimes a family member will insult someone and then cover up with, "I was just kidding."

A third reason a home is so vulnerable is that we live in a society in which humor is built around insults and sarcasm.

What do you and your family watch on television? Sitcoms abound with insults, put-downs, and sarcasm. It's easy to imitate what we see especially if we get a steady diet with it. But why would you allow yourself to conform to such inappropriate behavior?

There's a better way to relate as a family just by being one with each other, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.

Don't repay evil for evil. Don't snap back at those who say unkind things about you. It would not help the situation in any way. Just make a habit to be kind to others and you will be blessed for it, for sure.