November 27, 2024

Matthew 5:38-48 (HCSB)
Go the Second Mile
38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Love Your Enemies 43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Emi Nash
Jesus didn’t just teach these words, which were mind-blowing when justice is fair. He lived out these words in the final hours of His life. Jesus did not resist the evildoers. He allowed Himself to be slapped, had His clothes taken from Him, and was forced to carry His cross to Golgotha. While on the cross He prayed for those who persecuted Him, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) In this world we will face people who will hurt us in some form. Our flesh will want to retaliate. With His Holy Spirit inside us, we can make a decision to obey Jesus and respond with His love. It will probably take many prayers cried out to God to help you overcome the flesh’s desire for revenge. One life lesson I have discovered when I was struggling with the hurt from someone, what I actually needed to do was pray for them because they were wounded or walking in difficult times. Take heed:**If you are in an abusive relationship, please tell someone. Go now to someone of authority in the church or in law enforcement for help. Review Monday’s lesson on seeking help.