Matthew 5:39 - 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.
There is something fascinating about maturing. It seems as you mature, your spirit is calm, your mind is renewed, the power to understand and discern situations increases. The things of old that would unnerve you, you can now tolerate. You no longer want to get back at someone when they do you or a loved one wrong. Revenge is no longer part of your strategy. Understanding peace and love become your center.
Seeking revenge no longer satisfies your heart. As you mature, you see that getting back at someone for doing you or someone you love wrong can lead to a hardened heart, plenty of bitterness, and plain old anger in your heart. That does the heart no good. As we mature, we learn to guard our hearts by making choices based on wisdom and life experiences more than feelings and reactive actions. Simply speaking, we learn “two wrong don’t make a right.” We learn to lead with God’s truth.
Today’s scripture reminds us of Jesus’ words, 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. This is very hard for most of us to do. As humans, our natural reaction is to fight back. One thing I learned, is that God is always testing our character. He gives us instructions on how to live in his likeness. When we obey and seek his guidance on how to handle the many situations we face, our character and patience are strengthened. No need to seek vengeance, God says in Romans 12:19, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay. May peace be with you.
Dear God,
Thank you for the reminder to not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Simply, “two wrongs don’t make a right.” I pray that all your children seek you to help them deal with those that do them wrong. That they see it is far better to forgive than to seek revenge. I ask this in your son Jesus’ name. Amen!
Ilka V. Chavez