April 26 - Jesus and Non-Retaliation: Dignity - Evangelical Caucus/Devotional

Gracetoyou.org ^ | 2008 | John McArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

“‘Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also’” (Matthew 5:39).

God has created every human being in His image, and therefore He demands that we treat one another with basic respect, dignity, and consideration. But in a sinful world, this will not always happen, so believers can expect to suffer persecution simply because of their basic testimony (cf. Matt. 10:16–23; John 15:18–16:3). This leaves one inevitable issue to deal with: how should Christians respond to ridicule, insult, or physical abuse.

The Lord Jesus, of course, is the perfect example of how to behave when personally attacked. When the Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers physically abused Him and mocked Him prior to His crucifixion, He did not react in words or actions (Matt. 26:67–68). As Jesus hung from the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Peter summarizes well how we should respond in view of Christ’s example:

When you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously. (1 Peter 2:20–23)

Ask Yourself

When have you succeeded in practicing this kind of self-control and restraint? What happened as a result? Even if it left you feeling misunderstood and stepped upon, what value did you experience from obeying what Jesus has commanded?

From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.

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TOPICS: Evangelical Christian; Theology; Worship
KEYWORDS: gty

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[Socon-Econ]

This doesn’t mean a abolish the criminal law or let your kids run wild.

[Persevero]

We are called to defend ourselves and innocent others and just war is defined. Christianity is not pacifism.

However we are to bear patiently with insults and persecution. We don’t return evil for evil. But we can even kill a stranger sneaking into our home. There is nothing godly about allowing your house to be ransacked or your family tortured.

[PeterPrinciple]

Luk 22:36 “But now,” He said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!

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It appears we have a contradiction. What are we going to do.............................

[Bob434]

He wasn’t saying literally to always be passivist- he was suggesting that it should be our primary goal when feasible- if it’s not feasible, we have a right to protect ourselves and others too, and indeed a mandate to do so. He was speaking in general. Notice that he didn’t say “if someone is stabbing you to death, make it easy for them by presenting your neck or heart”.

[Bob434]

There is no contradiction because the bible makes it clear we have a right to defend ourselves and others against evil when it warrants defending, ie someone attacking us (above znd beyond slapping us, which incontext of the Bible, slapping was a form of insult, and not an attempt to beat someone brainless.) He is speaking of non life threatening insults, suits agaisnt us, etc, and not about prot4ct8ng our lives, which we have every right to do, as evid3nced by other passages.

[Persevero]

Agreed, it’s just some can read that and conclude that. So I spoke up! Christianity is often equated to pacifism, which of course it is not.

[Bob434]

True- the unsaved especially love to throw passivity in our faces and pretend that ChristiaNs don’t have a right to defend ourselves