‘When you are insulted, you must not only not
resent it, but you must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in
your life. And you cannot imitate the nature of Jesus— it is either in you or
it is not. A personal insult becomes an opportunity for a saint to reveal the
incredible sweetness of the Lord Jesus.[…] Never look for righteousness in the
other person, but never cease to be righteous yourself. We are always looking
for justice, yet the essence of the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is—
Never look for justice, but never cease to give it.’ CHAMBERS
Matthew chapter 5 is a difficult chapter for our
flesh. Jesus addresses character traits
that spring from our spiritual nature .. not our old nature. I don’t think there is a person who has not
been treated unfairly .. in some hurtful manner at some point in their lives. The question is, how to respond when it happens. Our old nature certainly demands retribution
.. a response in kind .. we must defend ourselves, mustn’t we? Read Jesus words …
Matthew 5 “You
have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil
person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other
cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your
coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give
to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow
from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your
enemy.’ But I tell you, love your
enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your
Father in heaven.”
Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned was from a
friend who counselled me on how to respond to an injustice. It was contrary to everything that was crying
out within me. My flesh .. old nature .. was ready to devastate the person …
instead .. I showed grace and mercy … I remained silent before my accuser …
That struggle showed me that I had more pride in me than I had imagined. It was the application of Matthew 5 living
and relating. You want to be more like Jesus?
Mark 8:34 “Whoever
wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow
Me.”
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)
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