Matthew 5-8
In Matthew 5:38-48, we’re told to not retaliate when someone mistreats us and, in fact, to give to them. We’re also admonished to love our enemies and pray for them.
Wow! A tough assignment from God! We want to say, “But they deserve to be tongue lashed or whomped on!”
And if you listen, God will say, “They do deserve that…just like your sin deserves justice… but I want you to respond out of mercy. “
“But where’s the justice?!?”
God replies, “I’ll take care of it.”
Plus retaliation does not solve problems.
Someone told me about an incident where her dogs got into a neighbor’s yard. This angered the neighbor and so he complained to my friend. The dog owner responded by regaling the neighbor with observations about his character flaws. Even after apologizing, there is now a long-standing break in the relationship. They don’t speak…they don’t wave…The dog owner, who is a Christian, told me that the moment of satisfaction she felt in retaliating, was not worth it and she regrets her rash response.
Retaliation does not resolve problems and those of us with the Holy Spirit in our hearts will be pierced by our attempts at revenge.
It is hard not to retaliate but it does not serve God’s purposes. And the beauty of these situations is that we can see God at work…if we let him.
I’m old enough that I’ve had a few relationships end sadly. In the years since one of those endings, there have been continued direct and indirect difficulties with one of those people.
After one event, I must have been complaining to the Lord…and I must have had an ear open to his voice because at one point, I heard him say through a strong mental impression, “Whenever you see her, I want you to treat her with warmth.”
“What? Lord!!!” I blurted out, “she continues to be a problem for me. I’ll give her the wrong impression if I’m warm. We can’t be friends…” and on and on I railed.
When I finally settled down he said, “I’m not asking you to try to be friends. She needs to feel loved and accepted and I want you to be warm toward her.”
And so I have been…and his strength and mercy have been in me…and I genuinely want the best for her…God’s power at work in the midst of my frailty.
God is not crazy when he asks us to do what doesn’t come naturally. If it came easily, we wouldn’t need him and wouldn’t see the power that raises the dead…including the dead places in my heart.
Sue
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