Daily D – Matthew 5:38-39

by | May 25, 2021 | Daily D | 0 comments

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
MATTHEW 5:38-39 (CSB)

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Bob Newhart is one of the funniest men who has ever lived. Schedule six minutes or so and watch this routine as he plays the role of a counselor who dispenses a two-word solution to every problem. ([https://bit.ly/2YuOFOD])

When God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and the accompanying applications to different scenarios, one of the protective limitations was the idea Jesus references here to an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. In assessing punishment for an offense, the punishment could not exceed the original offense. This protected people from turning molehill offenses into mountains of retribution. 

Jesus takes things a step further. He says, “don’t resist an evildoer.” In other words, “No hit-backs.” Stop the cycle of retribution. Do not get even. Practice the discipline of not having the last word. 

This does not mean that we cannot practice self-defense. It does mean that we should be hard to offend. Retaliation is almost always the wrong first step. 

Carey Nieuwhof hosts a highly-regarded leadership podcast. I never miss it. Episode 406 featured Steve Cuss. Cuss talked about how anxiety spreads in a group and how to diffuse your personal anxiety. This podcast episode lasts one hour and forty-two minutes. It is one of the richest and most rewarding listens you will find. It may have something to do with Cuss’s accent. 

Cuss talks about bearing a non-anxious presence in moments of conflict. What he says reminds me of what Jesus says here. Be fully present and be hard to offend. Seek first to understand. Live generously with forgiveness and reconciliation always close at hand. Resolve conflicts at the lowest possible level to prevent unnecessary escalation.

The word translated resist in verse 39 can also mean retaliate. Jesus says, “Don’t retaliate.” The Apostle Paul would later ask a powerful question: “Why not rather be wronged?” (1 Corinthians 6:7)

You and I experience much more peace and much less anxiety when we are hard to offend and when we refuse to retaliate. Practicing this lifestyle for a while leads us to ask another question: “Why create unnecessary anxiety?”

_____________________________________________________________________________

I will be hard to offend.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Our Father, I will be tested today in the area of personal offense. Give me the grace I need to avoid escalating conflict. Empower me to go the distance necessary to defuse anger and to spread peace. Amen. 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

CONNECT WITH ME!

Interested in learning more about Church Unique or Life Younique? Send a note through the Get In Touch box or Message me through the Facebook link above.

          Church Unique Logo          Auxano Logo

GET IN TOUCH!

READ MY BLOG!

Daily D – Job 8:2-7

Job 8:2-7
“How long will you go on like this?
You sound like a blustering wind.
Does God twist justice?
Does the Almighty twist what is right?
Your children must have sinned against him,
so their punishment was well deserved.
But if you pray to God
and seek the favor of the Almighty,
and if you are pure and live with integrity,
he will surely rise up and restore your happy home.
And though you started with little,
you will end with much.”

Daily D – Job 1:9-11

Job 1:9-11 Satan replied to the LORD, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!”

Daily D – Psalm 145:17

Psalm 145:17
The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.

Daily D – Psalm 139:1-6

Psalm 139:1-6
O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!

Daily D – Psalm 130

Psalm 130
From the depths of despair, O LORD,
I call for your help.
Hear my cry, O Lord.
Pay attention to my prayer.