- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 18,404
Don't strike back!
'"... If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also."' Matthew 5:39
Ever feel like you're taken for granted? Ever felt used? If we don't forgive people when they upset us, we end up carrying that hurt around inside us. We use it to build up emotional walls. We think we're protecting ourselves. 'No one is ever going to do that to me again...' Then when Jesus says, '"...If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also." How do you feel? Inside you're going ballistic; 'You better be joking with me Jesus; no way am I doing that, ever!' We're fuming! 'Does Jesus really expect me to be someone's punch bag? Well He can just think again.'
If we listen a bit more to what Jesus is saying we'll understand that the way we think we're protecting ourselves actually is hurting us. Jesus way of doing things makes us strong and healthy. Jesus says, '"Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer...This is what God does. He gives his best...to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.
If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. ...In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-create
written by Bob Gass
'"... If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also."' Matthew 5:39
Ever feel like you're taken for granted? Ever felt used? If we don't forgive people when they upset us, we end up carrying that hurt around inside us. We use it to build up emotional walls. We think we're protecting ourselves. 'No one is ever going to do that to me again...' Then when Jesus says, '"...If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also." How do you feel? Inside you're going ballistic; 'You better be joking with me Jesus; no way am I doing that, ever!' We're fuming! 'Does Jesus really expect me to be someone's punch bag? Well He can just think again.'
If we listen a bit more to what Jesus is saying we'll understand that the way we think we're protecting ourselves actually is hurting us. Jesus way of doing things makes us strong and healthy. Jesus says, '"Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer...This is what God does. He gives his best...to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.
If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. ...In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-create
written by Bob Gass
