Many years ago, I was told that some knowledge only comes with age. This is especially true in such instances where certain clear perspectives are not taught certain issues people face early in life. I would like to point one of those things out using scripture, as usual. (
See Daily Verse)
Written in the book of Matthew, Jesus spoke to people on an issue we all face - justice. In Chapter 5 verse 38 He begins: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
- Reading the statement above could help the reader understand there is at least one possible issue that will be very difficult to eradicate with such a philosophy as that. To state this more clearly, the reader is able to see that the passage above seems to promote fairness; however, does the philosophy - or policy - promote love? Does it promote concern for neighbors? Does it strongly promote forgiveness?
- The reader should be able to determine that such a philosophy promotes an increasingly internal hatred for others. This hatred can be geared toward individuals, people groups based on ethnicity, profession, relative philosophy, skin color, and by social status and financial class. A person can even be hated for such things as having an odd face! Who are we to hate someone we did not create? Is it that one person may think he/she created himself/herself; therefore, the right to hate another person is fair? In fact, in terms of fairness, we all have the right to hate whomever we will. But the question to ask is 'Should we hate other people?"
We can answer this question with the very next sentences Jesus states: "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."
- Should we "Hate" other people? Lets look at some effects of hate: When a person hates another person, the recipient is "rejected". When a person is hated, thoughts of "murder" could often occur. Hatred can cause the attainer to want every possession of the recipient of hate and/or want that person to have absolutely nothing except anguish and hardship.
- Hatred can "drive" people who embrace hatred to do many "unrighteous" things and cause them to think it is "justice"; and that, in turn, "develops" a "worldview" completely "negligent" of even the slightest idea of "Love". Thus, for any person lodging hatred, the time will arrive when everything that does not cater to his/her personal "bias" is "neglected". In concise terms, "Hatred drives unrighteous justice and develops a worldview of negligence" -- Corey Mills.
- Jesus said, "Do not Resist the One who Is evil". This means do not reject, turn away, treat as an outcast, or have negative feelings toward the One who Is actually Guilty (We are speaking of humanity). (See 2 Thessalonians 3:15). Then Jesus continues with "But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also". (I hope you don't see me as crazy for what I'm about to type). This statement reads that when someone does some injustice to you, do not seek to deliver the same activity back to that person, but forgive those people and accept them without bias, as if no wrong ever happened. And if they do it again, repeat the same process. (See Matthew 18:21-22+, Luke 17:3-4)
This is the way of Love, and it is precisely one of the ways God shows love to us. And without an explanation, this can take time to learn. Yet, as you, the reader, follow the Spirit of God, this action will come automatically. Yes, pain is real, and some people and things we cannot get back. Please pray for everyone affected, this process can be very difficult at times. Just fight to remember to keep God with you through every moment you may face; especially alone.
See
Unspoken by Corey Mills featuring Matt Pritchard and Tabitha Robinson
Thank you for joining in. My hope and prayer is that you will be encouraged as you read the messages of the Daily Verse and Daily Flow. I pray that God delivers each of us from evil, and that we all are strengthened by the Power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for reading.
Your Humble Servant,
Corey Mills