Daily Scripture Threshing for Monday, April 4, 2022
Today’s Text: Matthew 5:38-42
Key Verse: Matthew 5:39 (ESV): “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.”
Turning the other cheek is a popular phrase remarkably and exclusively Christ’s — from His Sermon on the Mount. Unfortunately, it has been variously interpreted or misinterpreted. Some people attack it as a mere cliché that only promotes excuses for being passive and/or rationalization for accepting injustices or unfair treatment. Other adore the same as a position of gentle posture that simply absorbs all wrongs and do anything to return hurt on someone that hurts you. Friends, this scripture is an admonition to all Christians: we are to respond to injury differently.
Yes, revenge is a natural response of any rational human being. But have you ever thought that it never removes the hurt or injury? Rather, it almost always allows more (injury). Jesus did not only preach and teach nonresistance, his lifestyle was markedly meek and forbearing. His cheeks were slapped, his cloaks were taken, his back was badly bruised, his brows wore the thorn-crown, and he was led in a criminal-train yet without a word. His only reaction to all his hurt in his dying hour was “Father, forgive them.”
Jesus is not advocating Christian pacifism; but like He rebuked the two disciples with volatile spirit, who would call down fire from heaven upon their enemies, He (Jesus) cautions us not to not harm or insult whoever harms or insults us in return. We may also learn from the current event of Chris Rock, whose popularity, acceptance ratings and prosperity increased significantly because he did not retaliate the public harassment from Will Smith.
Quote for the Day: “There is no known hardship in this world that a man of forbearing spirit cannot overcome.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Your loving forbearance toward me. I desire that You will fill me likewise with Your great patience toward others — in Jesus’ name. Amen.
With all my Love and Prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]
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