We’re all mistreated, or tempted to mistreat others when they’ve mistreated us. Jesus, in Matthew 5:38-48 teaches us that when we respond the normal way, with vengeance, the problem continues. Christ gives us a solution that is better than non-violence. He taught us to turn the cheek, to give to those who hurt us, and to love our enemies. He calls us to do this because he did it on his way to the cross. Grace doesn’t stop just violence, it fills the gap with true kindness. Grace isn’t normal.
*Correction: I (Pastor Jonathan) found the story of the Christian forgiving his boss the $5K the week after I gave the sermon. I got most details right off my memory, but the man’s boss didn’t come to know the Lord. However, a Bible study did start at his office because of the forgiveness he expressed through dropping the lawsuit. Pretty cool! God uses us when we turn the other cheek! You can find the story on pages 96-98 of Peacemaker by Ken Sande.
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