Speaking to the Enemy

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”  Matthew 5:38-42

I had someone in my life that one might call an 'enemy.'  As in most cases, this person is someone who you befriend and do all you can to help them.  Then at some point, they do something that is not at all like a friend.  Being honest, there are times it still bothers me. To  give so much only to have them tear you down behind your back is disheartening.  There has never been an opportunity for me to say anything to them since finding out this was happening, but if it does, what would I say?  More importantly, what should I say?

God’s gift of grace is a shining example of how we are to give grace to others.  When I read these verses as a young child, I took it to mean to avoid fighting when possible.  Today, I realize that was a narrow view of them.  Jesus’ point here is for us to be bigger than the transgressions against us.  It is about showing the face of God to one who may have never seen what true grace is. Thus when the pain seems unbearable or anger is greater than we can handle, Jesus encourages us through His teachings that we can indeed be above all of it.

Jesus always speaks the truth!  When the moment of conflict comes and every fiber in us says to react with either anger or vengeance, focus on Jesus for guidance.  Not only will He give you peace but He will also give you the victory in the end for as He teaches us in prayer:

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors (Matthew 6:12)

What emotional scar can you give to God today?  Who can you show grace toward as God has to you?  My prayer is that we can trust Jesus to take away pain and replace it with His love when speaking to the enemy.  Amen.