Go the second mile...

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’[f] 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away."

What would compel someone to do the exact opposite of what is expected of them? Can you imagine even doing something like what Jesus is asking us to do? It seems outrageous, doesn’t it? Well, it's not outrageous, it’s Christ-like.

Jesus looks at what the past culture was, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Then He says to go beyond our vengeful nature and tap into our loving nature. If we are truly in the realm of love, everything we do would be out of love. Love would be dripping from our very pores. We would not even consider repaying someone who wronged us.

If you ever had a dog and missed and stepped on its tail, their natural instinct is to retaliate, turn around and bite you. I have never seen a dog that has not tried to bite or bark at the person who stepped on their tail, whether it was an accident or intentional, that dog will retaliate. 

So, are we not above dogs? I know that sounds harsh but isn't our intelligence higher than that of animals? If we are the more intelligent beings, why do we tap into an animalistic nature and refuse to follow our spiritual nature?

Our vengeful nature is to retaliate when someone hurts us. “Tit for tat." We keep score of what people do to us and we wait to get them back, some people do not wait, it is automatic, almost instinctual. But when the love of Jesus fills our hearts, when we remember what people have done to us, the thought of getting revenge is fleeting or nonexistent. It does not mean that we are not hurt by their actions or words, it merely signifies that we operate from a higher place of understanding. 

The love of Jesus compels us to go the extra mile. Do not act based on what we have been taught or conditioned to think, constantly feeding the flesh. However, act out of our Christ-like nature which says to turn the other cheek when someone slaps us. The scripture further states, let the person who is suing you for the tunic have the cloak as well, go another mile with the one who is asking you to go one mile with them.

These are not acts of the flesh. These are acts of humans who are Christ-filled, and who understand that living Christ-like is the best way to feed our spirit. Doing what Jesus tells us to do is the best way to feed our spirit (our Christ-like nature) and not walk after the flesh (our carnal way of thinking).

I would like to compare us to the diamond that starts off as coal and is under pressure because a precious diamond. Brothers and sisters, it’s not easy especially if we have been conditioned to think and act a certain way. However, I do not believe that Jesus is asking of us anything that we cannot do. Jesus believes that we can do it. He even goes further in believing that we too can strive for perfection just like our Heavenly Father - Matthew 5:48. Now if Jesus says it, it can be attained. No matter how many times you fall, get back up and keep on trucking. Keep doing what Jesus is calling us to do.

God loves you. Be blessed!

Life is a blessing ...

Life keeps moving forward, even when you are having a bad day or when things do not go as planned. It doesn't stop to give you a moment to gather yourself, the clock keeps ticking.  

The only true refuge is God, our source of strength, wisdom, love and so much more.

When you feel exhausted and overwhelmed in every area of your life, it is a sign to pause and draw closer to God. Retreat into His presence and remain there, for He can carry you through the toughest days and turn the good ones into something extraordinary. 

In this life...

Every day is a blessing

Every new person you meet is a meeting with God's creation

Every conversation is honored 

Every smile is heartwarming

Every hug is a delight

Every kiss is adored

Every kind word or word of encouragement is a manifestation of love

Every tear is cleansing

Every frustration is a test

Every trial is strengthening

Every prayer is bonding time between Father and His child

I'm only here for a short time, as are all of us, what you do with your life is what you see fit, but as for me and my house we shall serve the Lord! Every day I try to do the right thing according to God's word. I want my life to be consumed by Him and for Him to use me, as He has countless times. He will always get the glory. I learned a while back, whether verbalized or not that we think small and God thinks big (look at our universe). As big as we may think we are thinking, it cannot compare to God's great thinking. I say that because in this life, those blessings that we may think will make us happy, God sees more and wants to give us more but we have to be in line to receive those blessings, we have to have that relationship with Him for Him to bless us.

We cannot put a limit on God. In my life, I can say that it has been faith that has proven this to be a fact. When all around me say no it cannot happen, I say yes it will and I have faith and what I put my faith in comes to pass. But the minute I start buying into what everyone is pessimistic about, I realize that what they say does come into being because I started to believe it. Be careful what you say. Be careful who you listen to. Be careful what you believe. 

Life is nothing without God. Aside from the many blessings He is able to bestow upon us, our main focus should be to have a meaningful relationship with Him. Sometimes we see what we can get out of God and we may want to use Him as we use others but God knows our hearts. He knows all things. Be honest, be true, and be all that you can be in Christ. The sky is truly the limit.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33