Getting Along

Day 20 of 49

I walked into a restaurant the other day and a sign on the door said, “Be kind to the people who have shown up to serve you today.” What had happened in this restaurant that they felt they needed a sign?

It seems that rude behavior is on the rise. We live in an age where people get offended over everything, whether small or big. People now get offended because someone else got offended. 

Jesus had an answer for this. It’s not one we like because it means setting aside our own personal rights and demands. A citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven will practice forgiveness, mercy and grace towards others.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 

But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 

And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 

Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Mt 5:39-42.

Revenge often becomes a game of one-upmanship. It can escalate to the point that two friends no longer talk to each other. The Law limited the revenge one could take. One could not take an eye and an ear for an injury to the eye. 

But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. 

Ex 21:23–25.

Before I go on, I need to say something. This is not about abuse. If you are in a situation where you are being abused physically, verbally, or emotionally, then pray for your abuser, but find a way out. There are many places where one can get help today if abuse is happening.

Jesus explained a better way than revenge. His recommendations are radical and counter-culture to the way of the world.

If someone insults you, slaps you on the cheek, don’t insult back. Let the insults happen.

If someone sues you, give them more than they ask for.

If anyone forces you to go a mile…This is specific for this time period. A Roman soldier could demand anyone to carry their equipment for one mile. Jesus told them to not only carry it for the mile, but take the equipment of their oppressors another mile.

Give to everyone who asks of you. 

Radical thinking!

Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. 

Pr 20:22.

And as if this was not tough enough,  Jesus went on to explain how we should treat our enemies. 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 

Mt 5:43-45.

Rabbis and Pharisees discussed the question, “Who is my enemy?”. The answers ranged from someone we dislike to someone who is out to do us harm. 

Jesus made it clear that we are to love our brother, our neighbor and those who persecute us. 

What would our witness about the Lord be like if we took this to heart?

• If we took the insults of those who disagree with us, pray for them and do something nice for them.
• If we showed kindness to everyone we meet, even those who chose a different lifestyle.
• If we responded without complaint when someone bad mouths us. Perhaps we could even find a kind word to say back.

Lord you love us even when we don’t show love to the people around us. Open our eyes to opportunities to share the love that you have showered on us.

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 

And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

Mt 5:46-48.