How do you respond to others when they insult you? Do the words of Jesus to “turn the other cheek,” Mat 5:39, come to mind? Or do you start plotting your revenge, even for what others would call a minor insult? Jesus was well aware that we have enemies. Long before He was flogged, He had no doubt felt the barbarity of Roman soldiers. If a Roman soldier was marching through your town, he could order you to carry his pack for a mile. It didn’t matter that you were on your way home after a long and tiring day. It didn’t matter if the interruption affected your time critical business deal. You still had to do it – i.e. just because the soldier ordered you to. If you refused, he could kill you; that was Roman law. Sometimes you don’t seem to have a choice; you have to endure the insults of others.

Jesus suggested a different response – i.e. out of grace. Let grace cover the insult. Let grace enable you to respond in a way other than what your instinct tells you. Jesus knew that there is spiritual power in responding out of grace to those who hurt you. He proved it on the cross. In doing so, you will experience grace anew and you will find joy.

So the next time the boss orders you to do something that feels like an insult, respond in grace. You will then find that the task will be a joy. And rather than doing the minimum to satisfy the demand, and that sloppily, do your best. In so doing, you will prove your excellence and professionalism. And the boss will take note of that.