Words from the Rock
You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you, don’t stand up against an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also. If someone wants to sue you in court and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles. If a person asks you for something, give it to him. Don’t refuse to give to someone who wants to borrow from you.
Matthew 5:38–42 NCV
It seems to be part of human nature to want justice, fairness, and equality. And while those aren’t bad values, we often drag them down and corrupt them. We use them as an excuse for battle. Being human, we get territorial, and we want what’s ours. We get mad, and we want others to get what they deserve. Someone lashes out at us, and we want to lash back. It’s called getting even.
But Jesus changed the rules. He said if someone hits us, we’re to stand there and take it. No more hitting back. That’s a hard one, isn’t it? Everything in us demands our right to defend ourselves—why should we take that kind of abuse from anyone? Surely, we rationalize, Jesus didn’t mean this literally.
But what if he did? What if he is telling us to live peacefully simply because he is ready to step in for us? What if he’s waiting to be our advocate? What if he has a plan to ultimately make things right for us? Maybe not today, but in his time. What if he just wants us to trust him more?
It takes huge trust to step out of a conflict—especially when we’ve been wronged. It takes enormous faith to let something go and believe that God will look out for our best interests. And we can do that only when we turn to God and ask for his help. When we find ourselves in tough spots, times when we feel threatened, afraid, or abused—that’s when it’s time to call out to God. And that’s when he steps in and begins to change things and do miracles.
My Prayer
Dear God,
I confess that I don’t like being wronged. I want to fight back and defend myself. Please help me to understand that you have a better way. Help me to trust you more and ask for your help when my back is against the wall.
Amen.
Final Word
Love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.
Luke 6:35 CEV
Stone for the Journey
I won’t try to get even—I will trust God instead.