But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 7:27-31
So last month I walked through having eyes of grace instead of eyes of hostility. While searching for a balance, God laid this truth on my heart. As His children, we are children of peace. We are to walk in peace wherever we go.
Honestly, this is one of those verses that is easy to read and hard to do. It is completely counter-cultural.
Culture says when you are disrespected, you fight back. Jesus says let God fight for you. (Rom 12:19)
So as I write this blog I am declaring myself to be a man of peace. No longer seeing and expecting evil, instead trusting in my Heavenly Father’s words.
My teammate Tia spoke over me that God gives a peace that is above even our own understanding. In the times where peace does not make sense my mind, take heart that peace does not always have to make sense. That the peace of God is greater than the wisdom of the most wise.
We are not called to fight back, but to love. Even when it hurts.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” – Luke 7:46-49
