“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also” (Matthew 5:38-39).
If I do not get what I want, I become mad. That is the Genesis 3 old Adam in us. The new person Jesus is making us to be recognizes that in this world there are times when hostility happens. How will you react? That is what we need to learn. The world wants vengeance. Love wants restitution. The world wants to give back what has been received. But love is patient, kind and longsuffering.
Lord, You know the attitude I have in my heart. You also know the struggle that is mine. You have promised to make me new and shape me into Your image. Guide me, Lord Jesus, so that I humbly walk in the way You are instructing me to walk. Soften my heart so when I see in others the same behavior that, without You, I would display, I may respond with love. The pliability You describe is something I want.
Lord Jesus, as I mature in faith, I begin to see things differently. You are not replacing one law with another but showing me what You will make of me. Continue to lead me, Lord, so that I walk under Your guidance and live this new life that You have given me. Lead me to see others with the same compassion that You have shown me. Guide me, Lord, in Your goodness. Amen.
