Thursday, October 24, 2013

Revenge Or Not


Matthew 5:38-45

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.  And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Romans 12:17-19

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 

Chuck Webster's blog today is titled "Get 'em back" and deals with Jesus' command to turn the other cheek. As he points out, that's a phrase oft repeated but seldom practiced. Following Jesus isn't something that comes naturally. Most of the things we are to do as Christians conflicts with our natural instincts but as Chuck points out, Jesus never said it would be easy. He said it would be worth it!





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