Peace in the Face of Ridicule

Lord, it is difficult to be impervious to the jokes of others.  Help me to remember that when others are rude or even cruel, that it is actually hurting them more than me.  Keep me from being defensive when I know that the best course of action is to keep quiet or to speak calmly and kindly.  Teach me to release grudges and resentment so that my heart is open to true peace.