The Law Of Grace And Mercy

"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." Matthew 5:43-45

Have you ever done something kind to another person and instead of them treating you back with kindness, they took advantage of you?  I think I heard a resounding yes to that. It happens to everyone at one time or another.  You were feeling pretty good about whatever it was you had done or were doing - perhaps at personal sacrifice or cost - but your actions were treated as if they had no value or were inadequate - unappreciated.  Are you familiar with the saying, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you"? And perhaps your hand is still smarting from the last bite. Yes, of course. 

Jesus was speaking to that when He told the told the disciples to expect people to be unkind. He used the phrase "You have heard it said". In other words "This is what the world says to do - but this is what I say to do" Ever heard of Sir Isaac Newton? Are you familiar with his "Physical" Laws of Motion? The Law of Gravity? Sure.  How about the third Law that says simply "for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction" These laws were put in place by the Creator God. They are what makes the things that work - work. 

Jesus was sharing another Law with the disciples - the Law of Grace and Mercy. When someone is unkind to you - respond with kindness. Love them, bless them, pray for them.  The world says apply the Third Law of motion.  If someone treats you badly - you should reciprocate in kind. Some of the "righteous" might withhold a negative outward action and just keep it to themselves. act out their response in their minds - but never verbalize how they "really" feel about it. Jesus had something to say about that as well.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ BUT I SAY TO YOU [emphasis added] that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. - You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  BUT I SAY TO YOU [emphasis added] that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. - You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ BUT I TELL YOU [emphasis added] 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. - Matthew 5:21-22, 28, 39-41

As Christians - we are bound by God's laws - first - and then man's laws or social conventions and practices. Laws that man has made, those things that are deemed acceptable to the world. (I am resisting going down that rabbit hole - another time perhaps.) Hard to do you say? Of course it is and that is why we needed a Redeemer! And why we need the Spirit of God who Jesus referred to as the Helper. 

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." - John 14:26

In a lighter vein, In 2005 Martie and I were in Waveland, Mississippi running a volunteer camp after Hurricane Katrina. The day was very cold and me not realizing that it gets cold on the Gulf Coast did not have a coat. I was standing in the parking lot with a group of men giving them instructions for the day. One of the men asked me if I had a coat, to which I replied -"no". He took his coat off and gave it to me saying "You can have mine." He looked a lot like Jesus at that moment. I thanked him and then added "with Charley Elgin wit" and a smile, "You know, the Bible says "If a man asks for your coat - give him your shirt also!" But the coat is where his charity ended.  I wear that coat still today and think of the testimony associated with it each time I put it on. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone