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Sunday, March 1, 2009
Redeeming Insult
"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 against an
evil person. If someone hits you on the right cheek, then
turn and let him hit the other cheek too."
-- Matthew 5:38-39 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus' words draw us to the values of our Heavenly Father. Rather than
passively accepting evil, we are to overcome evil with good. We are to
work redemption in the face of mistreatment like the suffering servant
in Isaiah who suffers, serves, and redeems in the face of attack and
ridicule. Jesus reminds us that we are to redeem rather than to try to
get even. A slap on the cheek in Jesus' day was more a social insult
than a physical injury. In our day, we seldom slap someone on the cheek
to embarrass or humiliate that person. Instead, we shoot them a
"zinger," cut them down sarcastically, or tell a joke at their expense.
This is out of bounds for believers. Such talk does not accomplish the
redemption God has called us to share with others.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy and patient Father, please strengthen me so that I will look for
ways to redeem those who shame and humiliate me. I know that vengeance
will only poison my heart and alienate me from the insulting party.
Give me grace to react with kindness even toward those who are unkind
to me. In the name of the one who did not rebuke his accusers I pray.
Amen.
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>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0301-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+5:38-39&sr=1&t=erv
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