Unnatural

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"But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." - (Matt. 5:39, ESV)


   Life is not always pleasant this side of Heaven, and it is not always easy to handle those difficult moments that find their way into our life. Someone yells at us and we want to yell back. Some anonymous driver cuts in front of us on the road and we fly past them with an angry glare. Someone accuses us, lies about us, otherwise mistreats us, and the list goes on. We know how the world reacts, because it is the way that we often want to react, and sometimes do. However, the Bible calls us to live in a way that is, shall we say, unnatural. 

   Jesus's words are piercing, even to the most faithful servant, "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Is Jesus telling us that we need to allow ourselves to be mistreated and just take it? I do not thing that is the point that Jesus is making. When we retaliate "in like manner", then we prove that we are human. But, when we react with love, mercy, and forgiveness to those who mistreat us, then we prove that we are His followers. If someone is hateful to us, then they are expecting us to be hateful right back. However, it is interesting to see people's faces when their hate is met with love; and their attacks with mercy. Most people just do not know what to make of it, and sometimes they will question why we are so different. It is not easy. You might even say that it is unnatural.

Blessings!

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