“Say What?
I’ve “Gotta” Turn the Other
Cheek…yeah right!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
TRASFORMATION
IN ACTION
38 "You have heard that it was
said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'
39 But I tell you, Do not resist an
evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other
also.
40 And if someone wants to sue you
and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
41 If someone forces you to go one
mile, go with him two miles.
42 Give to the one who asks you,
and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43 "You have heard that it was
said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
44 But I tell you: Love your
enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 that you may be sons 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.
46 If you love those who love you,
what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
47 And if you greet only your
brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your
heavenly Father is perfect.
Here is what it
doesn’t mean:
1.
This
is pacifism.
2.
It
doesn’t mean we become a doormat.
3.
It
does not mean you ignore injustice.
4.
It
does not mean we allow evil to persist.
Here is what it does mean:
1.
We
must not retaliate because retaliation always wants more.
2.
Justice should always be sought.
3.
Always
have a servant attitude.
4.
Christians
are not only to love those who love us but to love those who don’t as a witness of a transformed life.
AUTHENTICITY
IN ACTION
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what
is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in
brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but
keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in
affliction, faithful in prayer.
13 Share with God's people who are
in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless
and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice;
mourn with those who mourn.
16 Live in harmony with one
another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low
position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18 If it is possible, as far as it
depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my friends,
but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge;
I will repay," says the Lord.
20 On the contrary: "If your
enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In
doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give
him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap
burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
1. The key to dealing with difficult
people is love must be authentic.
2. Things go better with accountability and unity.
3. Overcome evil with good.
4. Do not retaliate but
work at reconciliation.
5. Redirect your energies.