DAD'S RAMBLINGS – FREEDOM FROM THE TYRANNY OF RIGHTS
"You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." (Matthew 5:38-41)
This almost sounds like Jesus was telling us to become doormats, to be trodden over by evil people. I don't think this is the message because God calls us to stand for justice and righteousness.
I believe Jesus was talking about motives and attitudes. When we are misused and abused, we can react in kind and demand our pound of flesh. We can extract an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But is this the best way?
Was this the way Jesus dealt with adverse treatment? How did Jesus handle it? Did He fight back and get even? I think not. In fact, He said, "Father, forgive them." He released the ill-treatment He received to His Father.
We may have our legitimate rights to justice. But God has a better idea: To let Him take vengeance. God says, "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:17-19). There is a freedom when we can release our rights to God. A grudge is a heavy load to carry when we can give it to the One who will bring ultimate justice.
We may never see justice brought on the offenders during our lifetime. But when we release it God, it does not matter, because we know that He will judge righteously. We can live with a victim mentality, but we are not called to carry that load of injustice. God calls us to live in peace. That peace can only be experienced when we fully trust Jesus.
Love, Dad
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