Hit Me Again?
READ: Matthew 5:38-48
Imagine someone takes something you have. Maybe someone hits you and you want to get revenge. Maybe there is someone you really hate, and you wouldn’t want to do anything for this person. God talks about these things in Matthew 5:38-48.
In these verses, He begins by talking about someone doing something bad to you. You are to turn the other cheek. God says in Matthew 5:40, “If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” If someone slaps you in the face, the best response is to endure it. That, in itself, may put the enemy to shame.
He wants us to find ways of showing love for abuse. God also tells us that we are to show love for our neighbors, instead of hating them. Help your enemies and don’t expect something in return.
God does not want us to take revenge on someone who has done something to us. He wants us to love our enemies, just as God loves us.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Why would God want us to pray for people who persecute us? Why does God allow good to happen to the evil and unrighteous? What does God expect of us, as believers in Christ Jesus, concerning our enemies?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray for your enemies, that God may forgive them. Pray to God to thank Him for giving you His Word to help you forgive your enemy. Pray to God to help you fight off the temptation of getting revenge on your enemy.