Christians like to believe that because they follow Jesus their attitudes and behaviors toward all people — especially their enemies — are righteous.  They do not see Jesus’ passive responses to abuse as acts of love.  

Responding to enemies and verbal abuse is never easy, but Jesus shows his followers how to do it with grace and an attitude that does not aggravate the situation. The most memorable exception to his typically peaceful behavior is when he chased the moneychangers out of the temple. Other examples are found in his accusations against religious leaders. In those occasions he was playing on offense as a truthteller. When we examine what Jesus said the the religious leaders we understand why religious leaders plotted to crucify him. When that plot was executed, however, Jesus’ response to abuse and mocking was always passive and never defensive. The lesson we learn from Jesus in these examples is that he went on offense only when he was talking to religious leaders, and then it was with words of truth. In the temple stories about the money changers he was not violent with the moneychangers themselves. He was simply destroying their business because religion is commerce. Destroying religious commerce effectively destroys religion. This also is an act of love.

Jesus’ passive responses to mistreatment models forgiveness, self-control, and trust that God will bring justice to wrongdoers. The world would be a better, more peaceful place if more people — religious and nonreligious — would follow Jesus’ example.

Below are scriptures about loving responses to abuse and mocking. It is always important to remember that the principles in these verses do not preclude appropriate legal remedies. Holding lawbreakers accountable for their actions is the most loving thing that can be done for them and their neighbors who are potential victims of their wrongdoing. God has established legal authorities for good and the authorities he establishes express Godly love by holding people accountable for their wrongdoing. In other words, God uses legal authorities to establish justice for both wrongdoers and their victims. When God says that vengeance is his he means vengeance for himself and victims of abuse. Trusting that the authorities God establishes will bring justice is an act of love for God and neighbors.

Whatever response we make to abuse and mocking, however, it is best done with an attitude of forgiveness from the heart. If forgiveness from the heart is not present, holding on to bitterness in the heart causes trouble that is inconsistent with love for God, love for self and love for others.

Isaiah 53:7-8