Laughingstock

(Proverbs 18:3 KJV)  When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

One of the standards that Jesus taught is turning the other cheek.  We are not to retaliate to offense.  Proverbs tells us,

(Proverbs 15:1 KJV)  A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

That is what is expected of us.  One big mistake we make is thinking this will earn us some kind of approval or brownie points from the world around us.

Don’t count on it.

People who are “wicked” (7563) look on your efforts to follow Jesus with “contempt” (937).  They may cover it up with smiles.  They may be courteous.  Deep down inside they despise you and what you stand for.  That doesn’t seem to fit everyone, does it?  I would guess that there are a group of people who don’t feel the contempt but they are the ones that are open to the voice of the Holy Spirit and are moving toward salvation. 

So?  We cannot know people’s hearts.  That fact that they look down on us does not change the fact that we are to demonstrate agape love toward them.  No one ever said there would be no bumps in our roads.