Going Against Our Nature
It is human nature to escalate events.
Whether that's a grand scale, like events that lead to wars, or on a smaller scale, where we constantly try to "one-up" the other person. As humans, we just can't seem to let well enough alone. We've always got to hurt someone more than they hurt us.
That's why Jesus' words in Matthew 5:38-42 are so radical. He teaches that not only should we not escalate a conflict, but that we should go above and beyond to not retaliate at all. He says if they strike your cheek, give them the other cheek. If they sue you, give them more than what they ask for, if they require you to do something, do it for a longer period than they ask.
That's more than just passive resistance. That's out-right love and forgiveness. It means serving them, even though they oppose you. It means loving them, even if they hate you. It means going the extra mile to show them how much God loves them through you.
It's also much easier to say and teach than to do.
I've found myself challenged this week. It's so easy to get mad and swear to get even. It's much harder to get mad and promise to love and pray for that person.
Lord, help me to go the extra mile, to give beyond myself, to sacrifice my right of retaliation to show your love of reconciliation.
Whether that's a grand scale, like events that lead to wars, or on a smaller scale, where we constantly try to "one-up" the other person. As humans, we just can't seem to let well enough alone. We've always got to hurt someone more than they hurt us.
That's why Jesus' words in Matthew 5:38-42 are so radical. He teaches that not only should we not escalate a conflict, but that we should go above and beyond to not retaliate at all. He says if they strike your cheek, give them the other cheek. If they sue you, give them more than what they ask for, if they require you to do something, do it for a longer period than they ask.
That's more than just passive resistance. That's out-right love and forgiveness. It means serving them, even though they oppose you. It means loving them, even if they hate you. It means going the extra mile to show them how much God loves them through you.
It's also much easier to say and teach than to do.
I've found myself challenged this week. It's so easy to get mad and swear to get even. It's much harder to get mad and promise to love and pray for that person.
Lord, help me to go the extra mile, to give beyond myself, to sacrifice my right of retaliation to show your love of reconciliation.
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