I was reading through Matthew 5:38-48 today. Jesus lays out some hard things in those words. Turn the other cheek. Go the extra mile. Give more than what is being demanded. Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. All I can say is, "How?"
At least, that's my answer until God shows His grace to me. Paul writes "For if, while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life." (Romans 5:10) The hard reality is, not a single one of us can do what Jesus says. Only Jesus can.
Jesus shows us what a grace-oriented life looks like. He turned His cheek to take what we deserved. When God's justice demanded our death, Jesus stepped in and took our place. When we were enemies of God, Jesus prayed for us, and then laid down His life for His enemies, that they would be reconciled.
That's the grace-orientation that God's Spirit works to create in God's people. It's not that we don't seek out justice, but that, in all situations, we look for ways to go above and beyond in showing God's love, in whatever situation we find ourselves.
What does that look like in your life?
At least, that's my answer until God shows His grace to me. Paul writes "For if, while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life." (Romans 5:10) The hard reality is, not a single one of us can do what Jesus says. Only Jesus can.
Jesus shows us what a grace-oriented life looks like. He turned His cheek to take what we deserved. When God's justice demanded our death, Jesus stepped in and took our place. When we were enemies of God, Jesus prayed for us, and then laid down His life for His enemies, that they would be reconciled.
That's the grace-orientation that God's Spirit works to create in God's people. It's not that we don't seek out justice, but that, in all situations, we look for ways to go above and beyond in showing God's love, in whatever situation we find ourselves.
What does that look like in your life?
No comments:
Post a Comment