This verse reveals the humiliation of being a Christian. 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. And you cannot imitate the nature of Jesus— it is either in you or it is not.

A personal insult becomes an opportunity for a saint to reveal the incredible sweetness of the Lord Jesus.

The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is not, “Do your duty,” but is, in effect, “Do what is not your duty.” It is not your duty to go the second mile, or to turn the other cheek, but Jesus said that if we are His disciples, we will always do these things. We will not say, “Oh well, I just can’t do any more, and I’ve been so misrepresented and misunderstood.” Every time I insist on having my own rights, I hurt the Son of God, while in fact I can prevent Jesus from being hurt if I will take the blow myself. That is the real meaning of filling “up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ . . .” (Colossians 1:24). A disciple realizes that it is his Lord’s honor that is at stake in his life, not his own honor.

Never look for righteousness in the other person, but never cease to be righteous yourself. We are always looking for justice, yet the essence of the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is— Never look for justice, but never cease to give it.

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July 14, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, have You have been training me up regarding how I see and evaluate people and institutions? Suddenly I seem to be ultra-sensitive about criticizing and or comparing people and institutions, like churches. It seems like You are teaching me that I am to concentrate on what I am and what I should be and do instead of looking at what our churches, government, and other people, including friends, colleagues, neighbors, relatives (and even politicians and government officials) are not doing.

And God says…”I want you to be full of love, mercy and grace. There is good in everyone, find it. Spend your time looking for good and you will find it. There is an abundance of wrong to be found all around you. But I call you to be light, salt and goodness. You can lose these characteristics when you search and find the wrong being played out by other people and institutions, including the church. I will fill you up with the love, grace and mercy you will need to see the good in others. When you are filled with anything apart from love, grace and mercy regarding others, you can be certain it did not come from Me.”