Posted on 06/14/2020 9:48:16 PM PDT by Salvation
-- GK Chesterton
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The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Amen. "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28) "Blessed are you among women, |
Offer no resistance to one who is evil. (Matthew 5:39)
Is Jesus saying that we can’t defend ourselves against someone who is trying to harm us? Are we not supposed to avoid dangerous situations? No, of course not!
Jesus is talking about the temptation to retaliate—to willfully return evil for evil. It’s a mindset that, sadly, we still see at play today. One relative makes a hurtful comment, and the offended party retaliates by responding with a nasty text or e-mail. On a larger scale, an act of violence taken by one nation against another can quickly escalate into all-out war.
It is certainly tempting to seek vengeance, yet Jesus calls us to let go of that desire as well as the anger that so often drives it. Why? Because he knows that evil can never conquer evil. He also knows that our returning blow for blow isn’t going to heal our hurts.
Jesus not only told us to offer no resistance to one who is evil; he also demonstrated it throughout his life. Though he had every right in the face of being falsely accused and condemned, he did not lash out against the people who were persecuting him and seeking to put him to death.
We know it’s only human to want to take an eye for an eye. This is why we need Jesus’ help in order to resist the temptation to take revenge. It’s only as we walk closely with the Lord and remember his example that we are able to take the high road—forbearing, turning the other cheek, and forgiving.
The next time you find yourself tempted to retaliate with a snap remark, ask the Lord to give you the strength to keep quiet. When a coworker speaks rudely to you, try to forgive and let it go. If there’s a long-standing feud or hurt in your life, take some time to pray about whether there is anger or a desire for revenge lurking in your heart. Have you forgiven the party who hurt you?
Taking the high road isn’t easy, and it usually doesn’t come automatically, but with Jesus’ help, we truly can conquer evil with good.
“Jesus, help me to let go of any desire to retaliate or take revenge.”
1 Kings 21:1-16
Psalm 5:2-7
Daily Marriage Tip for June 15:
Pope Francis says that “I’m sorry” is a phrase husbands and wives should say often. If it’s hard for you to say “I’m sorry,” or to offer forgiveness, pray for a softened heart.
We are not to resist injury, but we are to “resist the devil” and he will flee from us (Jas 4:7). In fact, we are to charge the gates of hell, which cannot prevail against us (Mt 16:18). We should give the devil resistance plus aggression. However, we must offer no resistance to insult from people. We should not avenge ourselves (Rm 12:19). We should not be resisting and fighting human forces but Satan (Eph 6:12).
At first, this approach seems unrealistic and doomed to failure. Look at how the unresisting Naboth was murdered by the unscrupulous Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kgs 21:13). Look at Jesus, the mute Lamb, slaughtered on Calvary (Is 53:7). Yet look at the final outcome. The Lord raised up Elijah to deal with Ahab and Jezebel, and the whole wicked nation was brought down. Likewise, Jesus’ lack of resistance on Calvary brought down the kingdom of darkness. The most resistant hearts were broken open and humanity was saved.
Prayer: Father, by faith may I be able to move in the realm of the invisible and claim Your power.
Promise: “When a person strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the other. If anyone wants to go to law over your shirt, hand him your coat as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him two miles.” —Mt 5:39-41
Praise: When tempted to return to his addiction Robert calls on the Holy Name of Jesus.
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