Monday 19 Jun 2023

June 19: Matthew 5:38-42

Key Verse: 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.

Devotion:
I have heard many people say the bible teaches you to allow others to run all over you – but that is not what these verses are actually saying. First off, I’m pretty sure it does not talk about encouraging other to have their way with you whether you are a Christian or not! If we look at the verses surrounding these it is all about how we should act toward others and not how we should give in to others all the time!

The world will teach you it is OK to retaliate when someone does something against you – again not what these verses are tell you. What we have, I’m sure, is an account of how we should act when people do have grievances against us or do things against us because they believe we deserve it…

God does not want us to react against others because they do something we don’t like. He does not teach us to hit someone because they hit you first. What He does teach us is to love our neighbours no matter what. Jesus went to the cross even while we were sinners working against Him. He did this to show us true love. When people did things against Him, He did not over-react or work to pay them back. He worked to show them real love and mercy.

If people do things against us, then we should be willing to try and show them the love of Christ, which may well involve turning the other cheek or giving them more than they demand; not giving them the right to do whatever they like to you! Jesus was always fair and just trying always to give people the truth. In the end He did give in and go to the cross to die, not because He wanted them to do whatever they liked, but to fulfil the scriptures and to pay for our sin debt.

Points to Ponder:
Do you stand up for yourself as a Christian?

Will you stand up for justice and share Christ’s love?