PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 5:38-42
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” (Matthew 5:39)
An evil person is not just a sinner, but someone that is willfully cruel or vile.
Someone that cruelly hits you in the face, hurting and shaming you publicly.
Someone that heartlessly tries to take the shirt off your back, leaving you nothing.
Someone that forcefully makes you work for them, treating you like a slave.
But then Jesus adds even a non-evil person: someone asking to borrow something.
Jesus is urging us to to be gracious and generous to all people.
When we give people what they deserve, then we get what we deserve too.
The way to break the cycle of sin and evil is not revenge, but generosity.
God shows us through Jesus how to deal with evil: he gives himself to us.
Let me be honest, this is NOT what feels right, and I am too weak to do this.
It only sounds good until someone is cruel to me, then I want ‘payback’ too.
Yet experience has taught me that payback, as good as it feels, doesn’t work.
The problem only gets worse, not better; the punches get harder.
Grace is not easy, but it is the only way to break the cycle of sin and evil.
PRAYER
Lord, once again I am struck by the foolishness and wisdom of your way. It feels weak, yet it is the power of God at work. Help me to join you in overcoming evil with goodness.
“do not resist an evil person” – I remember as a child being bullied – at first I fought back – later I learned avoidance – to make sure I didn’t get in situations where I could be bullied. Even now, confrontation is hard for me. I would rather avoid – let it be. I know I need to stand up for who I am and stand up for what is right – but I also know that ‘offensive’ tactics tend to lead to more trouble – to more blows. And I believe that is the point. If I don’t enter into the fight – what is the message to the evil person? Jesus the lamb laid down his life – yet his death was not a defeat but a victory. So my not resisting can be a victory too – not to let evil have its day! Help me Lord with patience and discernment as I deal with evil intent around me! Teach me your way!
Sigh, but why? Fine…
Then my question is how am I expected to stay strong through that?
Do good at all times.
As far as it depends upon me, live at peace with all mankind.
At all times, show the love of God.
Sow peace and not discord.
Our reaction to all happenings must show that I am in Christ and He is in me giving me the power to do His will. Not reactive but proactive. We are called to the way of love and compassion. At all times I must never forget that I am His child and I need to treat others as I want them to treat me. God’s way and not my way.
Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being
absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit
till all shall see
Christ only, always,
living in me!