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.
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!
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!
