The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 8:32 (NKJV)
"Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways.
Proverbs 8:14 (NKJV)
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 28:3 (HCSB)
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with the evildoers, who speak in friendly ways with their neighbors while malice is in their hearts.
The Word of God for encouragement:
Matthew 5:38-42 (HCSB)
38 "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you, don't resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
My observation:
Today we return to the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. In this portion of the sermon Jesus is teaching his disciples how they should be different then the Pharisees. He taught them that they should measure themselves by the standards of the Father. Yesterday we saw how they should measure their words. Today's focal passage is about the disciples' response to wounds.
The principle I take away from this passage is that Christ followers are people who are willing to go the second mile to win the peace in personal relationships. I have to constantly remind myself that God is not going to right every wrong in this world until his kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven. The best way to handle wrong doers is to put them in the hands of the Lord. Notice how Paul handled the wrong done to him. The highest example of this is Jesus, and we can't go wrong by walking in his steps.
2 Timothy 4:14 (HCSB)
Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works.
1 Peter 2:23 (HCSB)
when He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He was suffering, He did not threaten but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly.
My prayer:
Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you would create in me the desire to be a peacemaker and not a troublemaker. Father, help me to be humble and selfless in my response to perceived wrongs that I encounter in this fallen world. Father, help me to learn to entrust myself to the care and protection of my heavenly Father who is the only one capable of judging justly.
Romans 12:19 (HCSB)
Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.
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2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
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