Many times we would have a small group get together for a lunch Bible study at work. We always invited others to sit in with us. One individual was particularly rude in his rejection. One day he decided to walk through the center of the group on his way back from the cafeteria.

“Stupid (expletive deleted)!, he muttered so everyone could hear.

One of our members spoke up and asked him what he was so angry about.
“I’m not (expletive) angry,” he replied.

“Well you sure come across that way and I believe that I know why,” said our member. “We have something that you don’t have.”

That drew more expletive animosity along with a sneering, “What could you possibly have that I don’t?”

“Peace,” said our member.

There was silence and a perplexed look that came over him. He had been unmasked and revealed to all. I have never forgotten that moment. When the temptation may have been to reply with a harsh answer, my friend was meek. It stunned the aggressor. Last week I preached about Matthew 5:5 and I, again, recalled the power of a meek reply.

– Charlie Gamble