“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder…’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment...”
“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the crime: An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say, do not resist an evil person...Give to those who ask….”
Matthew 5:21-22, 38-39, 42 NLT
Jesus continued His teaching by painting a picture of what BE-attitudes would look like during life’s most difficult situations. And perhaps humble and pure attitudes are the hardest virtues to demonstrate, especially when we’ve been wronged!
We may not consider murder, and yet sometimes we allow anger to fester so long that we end up killing the spirit or reputation of the one who hurt us. But JESUS said, GO and make things right—give them grace!
And what about anger’s cousin, revenge? When someone takes from us, whether our property or our dignity, we want to take FROM them. But Jesus said, give TO them—give them grace!
Remember, when Jesus gave these instructions, He was speaking as GOD in the flesh. Jesus knew that soon He would be demonstrating His teaching with His own life. And sure enough, the people TOOK Jesus’ life, but He gave them grace! The Pharisees tried to TAKE Jesus’ identity, but instead of taking FROM them in revenge, He gave TO them in love. Jesus gave them grace!
So how do I show GOD to my world? By giving what He gave! When I feel anger for the way I’ve been treated, give my offender grace. No matter what others take FROM me—give TO them—give them grace.
I am the most like GOD when I give grace!
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