Justice

"I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Matthew 5:39

It seems like complete nonsense that if someone slaps you, you'd offer them the other cheeck to hit as well. My flesh certainly can't rationalize that concept. Consider the wise words of Oswald Chambers,

"In the natural realm, if a person does not hit back, it is because he is a coward. But in the spiritual realm, it is the very evidence of the Son of God in him if he does not hit back. When you are insulted, you must not only not resent it, but you must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life...A personal insult becomes an opporutnity for a saint to reveal the incredible sweetness of the Lord Jesus."

Oh. So that's it. Wow, have I failed. I have certainly not taken every slap in the face as an opportunity to show Christ to my hitter. It is in my nature to want to hit back - fight back - HURT back.

Oswald again, "Never look for justice but never cease to give it."

It simply goes against my natural flesh to NOT want revenge. And yet, it is by this measure that I am given mercy and justice from my Heavenly Father. How many times (daily) do I virtually slap Him by being disobedient or stubborn? How often does He hit back? Never. Sure, I reap repercussions from my decisions - there are consequences - but He lovingly forgives and gives me mercy - withholding the justice I truly deserve.

Today I'm going to strive to turn the other cheek. And I know I'm going to fail. If you see me pull back my fist in an effort to punch back, well, someone stop me - please.