Revenge is Not the Answer
In Matthew 5:38-42 we read about what Jesus had to say about the saying "Eye for and eye, tooth for a tooth" which people had been using as reason to use revenge against people who had done them wrong. We learned that this law of retaliation was given to civil authorities in measuring out punishment and was not intended to be used for personal revenge. Pastor Amy illustrated our approach to evil through the stories of the trees - the tree in their backyard that was cut down, the Giving Tree, and the tree where Jesus' died - His way to approach evil. Jesus' grace and mercy brought Him to the cross so we may serve others with that same grace and mercy.Where do you think the feeling of revenge comes from? How do we counteract it?
I think the feeling of revenge is a human response when people take something away from us against our will. We have a need to bring them down to get even. Unfortunately, this reaction often times is encouraged by world around us. But Jesus' shows us a better way! He came here and gave His life for us all - so we may live for the glory of it all. If we believe this, we will never be the same.
Labels: Sermon on the Mount
posted by Jewels @ 1:30 PM
2 Comments:
Jewels, Two thoughts come to mind as I read your blog. 1. The O.T. law of "eye for and eye" was actually a mercy to limit the amount of punishment that could be exacted. 2. That Jesus death on that tree meant that God did not exact the punishment that our sin deserved (death) but instead offered us life and forgiveness through the resurrected Jesus. Some random thoughts....Skip
Good thoughts Skip. I missed that! This is why I need you here!
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