A cheek-turning life...By Bobby Schuller, Hour of Power Pastor
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.-Luke 6:28-30The reason Jesus commands us not to be angry or bitter is because he loves us. If you have been angry and are not anymore, you already know that an angry life is no life at all. An angry, stressed out, frustrated, bitter life is not the life that Christ calls us to, and I'm speaking as a person that used to be very angry.When I was in high school, I played hockey. I led the league in the most minutes in the penalty box for fighting. That's a true story. I used to think that yelling at people, and getting in fights, and being bitter, and not letting people get away with stuff - that was the way men should be. Even as I became a Christian, even into college, I really struggled with this idea of turning the other cheek, which seems to be a cornerstone in Jesus' teaching.Of course the cross, itself, is a perfect example of Jesus turning his cheek. As a believer, I would say for many years that this command was probably the most difficult Christian teaching for me to live by. That is, until I realized this: The cheek-turning life is the best life you can live. Anger is a burden that poisons our lives. And God calls us not to be angry people because He wants us to be happy. That's the reason!Prayer: Dear Lord, I do not want to carry the burden of anger any longer. I do not want to be an angry person any more. Help me to learn how to be a "turn the other cheek," happy person, living in your grace and love. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment