March 29, 2012
Don't fight back. These verses aren't saying that as Christians we should be wimps or be so passive that others walk all over us. Jesus is saying, what I want you to understand is this. It is not about "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." Vengeance for evil is mine, not yours! I don't want you seeking revenge. A heart full of revenge is a heart full of poison. Anger and revenge are cancers of the soul. Let go. Let me. This is not about "you" being in control. This is about you dying to self and allowing me to be in control.
God wants our submission. When He has that He will do the rest. He will protect. He will avenge. Submission is not being a wimp, it is not insecurity, and it is not passive. No. It is being strongly and boldly submitted to God with a full assurance of His protection, His power, His strength, and His justice. There is no need to be self-sufficient when you are God-reliant.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of sharing. It's not about "me" or "mine." Everything we have is God-given and not "ours" so sharing comes naturally. Not just sharing of things, but sharing of self and time as well. Jesus tells us it is not enough to just love our friends. We are to love those who try to harm us as well. Matthew 5:44-45 - "Pray for those who hurt you. If (when) you do this, you will be true children of your Father in heaven."
I love how God puts checks and balances in place. When you are praying for those who have hurt you, it is impossible to harbor hurt, anger, or revenge in your heart. Impossible. God wants us to be holy as He is holy. He has given us everything we need to live a holy life.
Next Entry: Matthew 6:1–34
Don't fight back. These verses aren't saying that as Christians we should be wimps or be so passive that others walk all over us. Jesus is saying, what I want you to understand is this. It is not about "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." Vengeance for evil is mine, not yours! I don't want you seeking revenge. A heart full of revenge is a heart full of poison. Anger and revenge are cancers of the soul. Let go. Let me. This is not about "you" being in control. This is about you dying to self and allowing me to be in control.
God wants our submission. When He has that He will do the rest. He will protect. He will avenge. Submission is not being a wimp, it is not insecurity, and it is not passive. No. It is being strongly and boldly submitted to God with a full assurance of His protection, His power, His strength, and His justice. There is no need to be self-sufficient when you are God-reliant.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of sharing. It's not about "me" or "mine." Everything we have is God-given and not "ours" so sharing comes naturally. Not just sharing of things, but sharing of self and time as well. Jesus tells us it is not enough to just love our friends. We are to love those who try to harm us as well. Matthew 5:44-45 - "Pray for those who hurt you. If (when) you do this, you will be true children of your Father in heaven."
I love how God puts checks and balances in place. When you are praying for those who have hurt you, it is impossible to harbor hurt, anger, or revenge in your heart. Impossible. God wants us to be holy as He is holy. He has given us everything we need to live a holy life.
Next Entry: Matthew 6:1–34
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