A Clapback is defined as a quick reply to a critical remark or unfair treatment- Webster Dictionary
There’s always been people that I come across who believe they can just simply say anything to me. It’s happened to me both pre-Saved and post-Saved. I’ve either been the person to say something back or “try” to hold my tongue only to be annoyed for a while wishing I would’ve said something, knowing it wouldn’t be “Christ-like” in any way but wanting to have had said it anyhow!
I heard a joke a long time ago and it went something similar to “getting Saved for some people is like getting a perm, sometimes it doesn’t get all the kinks out the first time around, so it takes more applications to get it right.” Alot of newly Saved folks could probably attest to this when it comes to trying to let go or restrain from old habits (including myself years ago). The change doesn’t seem to happen right away, Spiritually, Heaven is rejoicing, but physically nothing is visually seen. It takes a lot of time with God, submission, trust, prayer application, trials, all of that and more! And even now after years on this journey, on my best day it still can be tough!
And what’s even more annoying are those who have the idea that all Christians are somewhat of doormats, the “soft religion”, the one where everyone is supposed to be kind, and take anything dealt to them; “turn the other cheek”. And if we are not and say something back and/or disagree with a popular thought we’re ostracized and called mean or hypocrites because “Christians aren’t supposed to get mad or do or say anything back. Then the sarcasm comes “that’s not what Jesus would do”. Can’t win for nothing! And let me also note, I’ve seen this way of thinking with both non-Christians & Christians smh.
I believe that there is a time and place for everything. Sometimes no response is the best response and then other times, well, words should very well be said. This is why my Father Jesus here is the Supreme Holy example of what disciplined clapback’s can look like. He doesn’t get rude, loud, stressed out, curse or fight. He’s calm, direct and goes about His business, focusing on His purpose and that’s IT!
Of course, there are far more times in the Bible that Jesus shut the mouths of many people, adversaries and sometimes friends & family included. BUT, in this blog, I’m going to list 4 of my favorites!
1.) John 21:21-24 To the disciple (or friend) that talked too much.
“When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
Peter was well meaning, but he talked too dang much and didn’t always back up what he said (remember Luke 22:34, the denying Jesus situation). Here it seems he was being nosy or comparing himself to John*. Either way he was wrong. Peter had to learn a few lessons to “get right”. I’m sure many of us have either been like this ourselves, have a friend or know someone like this. Sometimes you decide to separate ways and then other times they get it together and are still cool people! Peter went on to represent Jesus until the day he died! *
2.) John 8:1-9 To the hypocrites that didn’t follow their own laws.
“Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.
I’m wondering when they say “caught in adultery”, was this woman with one of these men, did she turn down one of them and they were mad, were they watching her, like what’s going on here!! But the point is, these men had to admit that they were being a little sneaky too and sinners themselves. Instead of showing grace to this woman, they tried to humiliate her in public and use the law to back it up. Jesus shows us the truest heart of forgiveness anyone should receive by stepping in on her behalf.
3.) Matthew 4:1-4 To the devil that thought he would win.
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.“
This devil he refuses to give up and what he thought to be one of Jesus’ most vulnerable moments, turned out to be yet another loss for him. When Jesus spit out those scripture verses, it was nothing he could do but leave, run away! That’s a lesson for me, to keep God’s word on my heart and tongue and the devil/person shall flee! Bye Felicia! 👋🏿👋🏿👋🏿
4.) Luke 13:10-17 To the haters that couldn’t stand to be outshined.
“There was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” As he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame.”
This has become one of my favorite scriptures. This woman was literally looking down for 18 years. Jesus sees and heals her and this ruler of the synagogue was mad because it wasn’t on the proper day. But the truth is, he was really jealous that Jesus had the power to heal her and he didn’t. When you have a purpose, walk in it, serve, pray, give, etc. Several lessons I’ve learned here. Two of them are, 1.) don’t let others bound or keep you where you are when you know you’re made to grow (woman) AND 2.) don’t stop doing what God has given you to do! (Jesus)
Let’s Pray,
Lord God, Your word says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. It is a fire. Help us to speak in wisdom being discerning when words are necessary and when they are not. Help us to walk by your example being a friend to the friendless and help to the helpless. Give us strength to use our voices righteously proclaiming Your ways, in Your name for the Glory of Your Kingdom.
In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.
-MissyAnne
*Luke 21:21-24 “Mind Your Business. The Struggle of Comparison – blog by MissyAnne
