"No more tit-for-tat stuff." ~~Jesus

Our culture tends to be one of retaliation. Someone hurts us, we envision a way to get them back. There is no thought of taking one for Jesus.

Jesus challenges to live in GOD's World (Kingdom). In His world, we are to represent Him. He is love. Love acts differently. Love doesn't retaliate. Love doesn't plot on how to get even. Love looks for an opportunity to do good no matter what the other person has done. Love rules!!

"No more tit-for-tat stuff." ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

"If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it." ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to have a GOD World (Kingdom) approach to retaliation. Our normal approach to being sued is to defend ourselves or counter sue. Jesus challenges us to give our enemies what they want and then overwhelm them with love and generosity by giving them something precious they didn't ask for. GOD's way is love. GOD's way is generosity. Our heavenly Father doesn't want us to retaliate. Being generous gains attention for GOD where retaliation is expected.

Jesus sets a standard for us that requires us to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the power of love.

"If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it." ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:40 The Message)

"Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it." ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges not to retaliate. It is in our core, when someone hurts us, to strike back. Jesus has a different way. Don't hit back at all. Just take it. Agree with your adversary.

Jesus has higher standards for us than what the world expects. He expects us to be full of the love of God. Love acts differently. Love is kind and patient. Love does not retaliate.

May I love like God. May I not be defensive and retaliate.

"Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it." ~~Jesus