Matt 5:38-48
Go the Second Mile
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Love Your Enemies
(Luke 6:27,28,32-36)
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
NKJV
I have had in my life, as I am certain you have as well, those people who make it hard to follow this scripture to its fullest meaning. You know who I'm talking about. In fact as you read this someone popped into your mind as they did mine as well. These people are enemies of the cross, at least for now. They are selfish, mean, distasteful, rude, coarse, faultfinding, bus throwing, liars, schemers, cursing, malicious, and 6 other words that I cant spell. OK, now do you have them in your mind? Good.
Now read the verse again and tell me if they fit in there anywhere.
Paul exhorts us to imitate him as he Imitates Christ; 1 Cor 4:16, 1 Cor 11:1- If we do this than we cannot look on the people that grate on our nerves and do blatant wrong to us and keep our hard heart toward them.
I do speak from recent experience on this and I have to tell you that even though the victory is not fully come yet, I do see God doing a powerful work in some peoples lives causing them to take notice and start to assess their lives and God. The Lord simply told me, "Instead of being mad and frustrated at that person to just start praying for them, offer a generous gesture, help them when I can. I gritted my teeth, I asked for confirmation and low and behold there that person came (immediately mind you) and I was able to tell that they needed prayer in their life. So I started to pray for them, and to be more helpful and freindly. If there is one thing I have figured out in this life , its that I cannot change the people around me, only myself. And by changing myself and getting on Gods program others are able to see that and God is able to do His amazing work.
Jesus Died on the cross loving His enemies to death. His last act of love was to forgive them for they knew not what they were doing. Luke 23:24
1 Peter 2:19-22
For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
"Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth";
NKJV
Rom 15:1-3
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.
NKJV
We most certainly have giant shoes to try to fill and the only way will will ever is one foot at a time. Though it may be tough, press in and begin to love again and in no time you will see the Lords hand moving in your situation. He just needs a forgiving and loving platform on which to work.
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