How does Jesus teach us to respond to violence, abuse, and cruelty as Christians? Did He pay back evil for evil? No.
How was He able to behave like this? Can you imagine?
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. 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. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5: 38-48
How did Jesus deal with His enemies? How did He deal with physical violence, abuse, and His own eventual murder? Jesus was as merciful as it gets. Jesus truly loved. He even loved those who murdered Him. May we be blessed of God and taught well so that we will be as strong as Jesus was/is. May we love as Jesus loves. And God will bless us as He has blessed Jesus.
He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn’t say a word.
Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered
and like a sheep being sheared,
he took it all in silence.
Justice miscarried, and he was led off—
and did anyone really know what was happening?
He died without a thought for his own welfare,
beaten bloody for the sins of my people.
They buried him with the wicked,
threw him in a grave with a rich man,
Even though he’d never hurt a soul
or said one word that wasn’t true.
Still, it’s what God had in mind all along,
to crush him with pain.
The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin
so that he’d see life come from it—life, life, and more life.
And God’s plan will deeply prosper through him.
Out of that terrible travail of soul,
he’ll see that it’s worth it and be glad he did it.
Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant,
will make many “righteous ones,”
as he himself carries the burden of their sins.
Therefore I’ll reward him extravagantly—
the best of everything, the highest honors—
Because he looked death in the face and didn’t flinch,
because he embraced the company of the lowest.
He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many,
he took up the cause of all the black sheep.
Isaiah 53: 7 -12 (the message)
Related articles
- April 23, 2013 – enemies (circleofhopedailyprayer2013.wordpress.com)
- May 2, 2013 “Love Your Enemies” (pastormikemcdowell.wordpress.com)
- So what if…? (pragmaticmystery.wordpress.com)
- Forgiveness is Hard (equip.myersparkpres.org)
- Meditation/5-11-13 (togodbetheglorybettysverseoftheday.wordpress.com)
- Matthew 5 (joshuawsutton.wordpress.com)
- Extreme Makeover – Luke 6:27-36 (stevesbiblemeditations.com)
- Love Who War Against Us (markrsumrall.wordpress.com)
For us it’s hard to love people because we can’t love them without the Love of Jesus. Jesus teaches and shows us how to love people. Every day it is a challenge to love those who do you wrong, the flesh doesn’t like the feeling but it’s during this process that we mature. And so I thank God for teaching me how to love people because I can never love them in my way because we as humans love according to how we feel and that is not love. Great post!
By: Desiray on May 24, 2013
at 8:07 am
In this message, you have truly spoken the truth of the Master Words. Continue to always stand on the word and it will never fail you. He open His mouth and spoke and the World came into being. The word is powerful and cuts like a two edge sword. Be Blessed my friend for God is truly using you for His glory.
By: PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER on May 24, 2013
at 8:25 am
One famous (and rare) evangelical pastor who understood and obeyed Christ’s words. His quotes are great! http://spurgeonwarquotes.wordpress.com/
And there is a link, there, under ‘About’ to my resource blog on pacifism.
Blessings In our Lord Jesus Christ!
By: Michael Snow on May 28, 2013
at 12:42 pm
Thanks, Pastor Davis! (hugs)
By: the warrioress on May 28, 2013
at 12:46 pm
You said a mouthful there, Desiray. You bring up a very good point. We really can’t love people the way God loves, and especially those whom we have trouble loving – the unlovable. I too appreciate the Holy Spirit teaching me how to love others unconditionally. Thanks for sharing here!
By: the warrioress on May 28, 2013
at 12:47 pm
It is a very profound concept that the Lord wants us to learn here. Truly loving our enemies is not an easy task. It’s kind of surreal to think about it, but I really appreciate the lessons in love that Christ is giving me. Thanks, Pastor Davis!
By: the warrioress on May 28, 2013
at 12:54 pm
You are welcome…have a bless day today
By: Desiray on May 28, 2013
at 1:17 pm
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By: A Living Sacrifice | God Is Faithful Fellowship Of Christ (GIFFOC) Inc.™ on June 15, 2013
at 11:55 am
Im so happy postar davis
By: ann on February 7, 2014
at 12:03 am