The second slap

Slap me once and I'm mad,
Slap me twice and I'm glad.

Sounds irrational.

“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer.
On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:38-39‬ ‭

Why?
Why should we do this weird thing of giving people something they certainly don't deserve?

If someone says something to hurt my pride or me in any way, I want to hide or cover myself in defense or fight back with equal (or more) vigor!  So why would Jesus say to let them continue to hurt you even more instead?

Because allowing people to hurt you is where the battle for faith can begin to be exposed.  Our battle is not against flesh and blood--meaning the person who hurt you is not the enemy.  It is the forces of evil that we do not see (but certainly feel) that are waging a war on your soul.  When we hurt back we are battling flesh and blood, and that's precisely what Satan wants us to do.  But Jesus said to open yourself to being hurt because that's where the real war is taking place.  When we lay down our defenses against the person, it doesn't feel good inside, but something in our hearts begins to take place.

Real war.  If you go into battle blindfolded then you're sure to lose.  If you go in with eyes open and God as Your commander then you will surely win.

Getting even with someone is not war, that's living blind in Satan's delusion and giving him delight.  Because he gets to win.  And he loves winning.

Real war is what's inside the heart.
When we lay down our weapons agains flesh and blood, we see the battle inside our hearts.  Faith is forced to kick into high gear reminding us that Christ has chosen us before the foundation of the world to be God's adopted children, redeemed, forgiven, and given an inheritance in Him, and His Holy Spirit present in us.

When you remember you have everything you no longer need anything.

Sometimes the reminder comes by that second slap.

Praise God for the second slap!
Love you guys.

Jmegrey