PODCAST
Distinctive Mark
July 29th, 2015
Matthew 5:38-48
It is human nature to fight back whenever we are threatened, whenever we are treated unjustly, or whenever we are hurt. However, it is godly to show mercy and love, even when we don’t get the treatment we hoped for.
The fact we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us is the very distinctive mark we carry as Christians. It is good to know that the love God shared with us is sufficient to help us to love our enemies. It might not be an easy task. Yet, we can see God working in our lives when we do so. It is a matter of faith and trust in the Lord who loves us–as well those who hurt us. His redemption plan includes all humanity, even our enemies!
That does not mean we will remain in the place of suffering just for the amusement of our enemies. But, it means we will pray for those who persecute us. It means that whenever we have the opportunity to payback we will offer compassion instead. It also means that, when needed, we will suffer in order to create what is good.
Author: Tabita Rothmann Gonzalez
July 29th, 2015 at 9:23 am
I am troubled by what I read in Matthew 5:38-48. I’ve been to small-claims court twice in my lifetime to “protect my rights”. It sounds like this approach is wrong according to this scripture. Is there ever a time when a Christian should “stand up for their rights”?
July 29th, 2015 at 9:39 am
I think you need to stand up for what the bible says; which is God’s direction in our lives. It’s how he speaks to us. So, if someone asked you to renounce Jesus and God, well then, I think that is a good time to stand up for yourself.
I know many people say this, but ask yourself this question “What would Jesus do?”. I think if we pause and look at things from that perspective, a lot of issues would just go away. However, we are human and this is easier said than done.
Hope everyone has a good day. This message was very timely for me today!
July 29th, 2015 at 9:53 am
I have had copyrighted work stolen. I can either ignore the theft or try to enforce the law through legal means. If a law is based on biblical principles is it right to enforce it in court? That is not what I understand when I read Matthew 5:40.