Respond Ably
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| Can you see the sailboat in the midst of the dense fog? Like Peter, we are called to go through the gate (palm trees). Like Peter, it is by faith we stay above the drowning waters despite the storms. |
Yesterday I was having a chat with someone about current events.
A person who, I suppose, likely doesn't chat with too many people due to their economic status.
Homeless.
We were talking about the trouble in the world.
This person believes in God, and they are currently suffering the consequences of past decisions.
Sin's outcome takes it toll.
The consequences develop into physical, psychological, spiritual, or other detriments.
Such thorns are not always removed.
They become part of our testimony.
Part of our story that renders glory to Him.
An eventual glory to be revealed also in us.
For others, their life of sin is a testimony against them.
It explains 'why' they failed at life's challenges.
As we discussed matters, we landed on a word: responsibility. (read the definition at the link)
For some reason, the separation of this word came to mind.
The ability to properly respond to whatever happens in life.
Although evil may visit us, it how we respond to evil that makes the difference.
Shall we also participate in evil, or stay in peace and avoid evil?
As a person goes from being a child into the adult years, there is an expectation of growth.
Every one of us has had moments of arrested development due to a variety of factors.
Each of us, also, have had moments of growth.
Our current state is the product of our past decisions.
How 'responsible' we have been thus far.
When we are able to respond to hostility with humility, to anger with calmness, to a slap on the face with a turn of the cheek, we may understand the weight of such responsibility.
If we reflect a fallen world, we may not realize how irresponsible we are or have been.
We resolved the discussion in acknowledging that the Law of God is just and good.
His Law clarifies what is wrong from what is right.
If we fail to love others, we fall into possible irresponsibility.
For those who fail to love, or fail to be responsible, the Law provides a mechanism to chastise their hearts, strike their consciences, restrain their rebelliousness.
The Law also provides for redemption when love is realized in Christ.
The gift we have in Christ is a teaching of proper responses to all of life's troubles.
This is the teaching of love, righteousness, truth, and peace that men seek through religious means.
The 'means' is obedience and submission to God according to the following:
For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.
Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court.
And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.
First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.
Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’
But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all:
either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;
or by the earth, for it is his footstool;
or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.
All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’;
anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.
If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?
Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others?
Do not even pagans do that?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is Perfect.
- Matthew 5: 20-48
That entire fifth chapter should be read and taken to heart.
Realize that only those gifted His Holy Spirit can actually obey this teaching of righteousness.
Only those led by love (God is Love) are enabled to be like Christ in all circumstances.
Only by His gift of faith can such a life be lived.
A life not according to religion, but a humble walk of faith inside the Lord.
Faith that God will save the believer regardless of the situation, peril, consequence, thorn.
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