"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: "Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
"You're familiar with the old written law, "Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, "Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to 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, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best--the sun to warm and the rain to nourish--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. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
-Matthew 5:38-48 (The Message)
- Reading these words is easier than living out these words. Especially when it comes to things like this.
- How does living out these words align with justice and defending those who are unable to protect themselves? Forgiveness and a pursuit of justice - can they co-exist?
- Ultimately Jesus challenges us to go the extra mile in promoting peace. Go further in your faith by allowing God to deal with those who are against you instead of taking matters into your own hands. When the situation is ripe for us to be at our revengeful worst, we must be at our peaceful best.
- All of this can lead to bigger discussions about pacifism, war, and the role of redemptive love. However, before we get there, maybe a good place to start would be to love those who are hard to love. Love those who speak against you or work against you. Love and serve those who get under your skin.
Man oh man am I struggling with this post.
Posted by: Scott | April 20, 2006 at 08:12 PM
I know that God tests us, and we're to long for these tests, but this is a tough test to pass.
Posted by: Chris | April 21, 2006 at 04:48 AM