Less Self
"If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." (Matthew 5:39)
When Jesus says we should "turn the other cheek," when someone dishonours, offends or accuses us He is sort of reminding us that there is a much bigger picture than our small and limited view of things.
In a way He is saying we should give up "self" and commit everything to Him. Leave it to God. Revenge is His not ours. No matter what has happened to you leave it to His care. Even if someone meant if for evil, God really is in control not us.
Our pride directs us to make mountains out of mole hills, whereas in the big scheme of things it is really nothing worth expending so much worry and energy and time over. Better to just let it go. Easier said than done, but worth keeping in mind.
While giving up self is good; we should not give up defending the poor and weak. "Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. (Isaiah 1:17) Give up self but be ready to defend those worth defending. Go the extra mile for others. Show love instead of revenge!
Photo and reflection by Craig Manners.
"If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." (Matthew 5:39)
When Jesus says we should "turn the other cheek," when someone dishonours, offends or accuses us He is sort of reminding us that there is a much bigger picture than our small and limited view of things.
In a way He is saying we should give up "self" and commit everything to Him. Leave it to God. Revenge is His not ours. No matter what has happened to you leave it to His care. Even if someone meant if for evil, God really is in control not us.
Our pride directs us to make mountains out of mole hills, whereas in the big scheme of things it is really nothing worth expending so much worry and energy and time over. Better to just let it go. Easier said than done, but worth keeping in mind.
While giving up self is good; we should not give up defending the poor and weak. "Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. (Isaiah 1:17) Give up self but be ready to defend those worth defending. Go the extra mile for others. Show love instead of revenge!
Photo and reflection by Craig Manners.
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