SOLID LOVE: REQUIRES FORGIVENESS & SACRIFICE

You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. ⁴¹ If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. ⁴² Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.  Matt. 5:38-41

When was the last time you were offended?  I bet it was.........yesterday.   Maybe in traffic, or at work, or dealing with your spouse, or significant other, maybe your kids offended you....no matter what Jesus tell us " It is impossible but that offences will come"(Luke 17:1) so you will have plenty of opportunities today to be offended....but I left out one part....Jesus said woe unto him...in other words....shame on you if they should come through your acts.    See if anyone had a real reason to be offended it was CHRIST, not you.

He did absolutely nothing to deserve the degradation, beating, and crucifixion....but yet while hanging as a bloody pulp he looked upon his lictors & tormentors and simply said with such deep love & compassion...."Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."  Is that your response to your supervisor when you get a bad evaluation or are you so pride filled that you can't see that you aren't really perfect.  That there actually is some truth in what they are saying.   Or maybe the person that cuts you off in traffic that there is a slim possibility they may have an emergency that requires your prayers for them, verse your finger or harsh words.     Maybe instead of seeking revenge on your neighbor....you seek ways to bless them.

I know, " I don't know your story or what they did to you....." you're right I don't, all I do know...is that JESUS' was perfect and didn't deserve the treatment He received and somehow we have to see that we need to quickly forgive, and seek to be reconcilers.   In other words....don't be the ones leading law suits, but rather bringing people together through your humility to settle a debt.  Simply put if He can find it in His heart to forgive them, and us....surely we can demonstrate a level of forgiveness towards one another.  LGLP, please!