Respond or React?

Has anyone ever deliberately insulted you? If yes, how did you respond? Did you immediately fly back in their face with an even angrier insult? That is the natural response. But is it the Christian response? Do we respond as Christ would or do we simply react? Perhaps our spouse picks an argument  and we extend the argument as we attempt to defend ourselves. A friend we find has spread some untruths about us and it is so easy to say, "Consider the source" and say something uglier about them. And before you know it retaliation becomes our way of life.
   
This is not God's way! "To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kind-hearted and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead, for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing." (I Peter 3:8-9)
   
The grace of God breaks the "tit for tat" cycle of the world. Why not try it? Turn the other cheek and bless those who hurt you!