“Do Not Resist An Evildoer”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”

Matthew 5:38-42

Today is the day we remember the good that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did for his country. He was a Christian. He was a leader. He was against oppression. He believed in being peaceful, but to be strong in carrying out his message. He lead a year-long peaceful boycott to protest segregation on buses. He paid a high price. His home was bombed and he was assaulted and arrested. He never retaliated. Eventually he was murdered.

Think about how you and I might have dealt with the same issues. We want justice now. We want retribution. We want others to pay for their wrongdoing, especially when it is directed at us. What we do not want to do is turn the other cheek and invite them to take another swing.

Pray that among the injustices of life we might have the courage, faith, and strength to turn the other cheek.

It takes true strength to refuse to retaliate.

Our Daily Bread – January 19, 2009