Claim the Grace

October 26

Maybe you’ve heard someone state emphatically when he believed himself to have been wronged by another individual, ‘I don’t get mad, I get even.’ Nobody likes to be denigrated in any way. It’s normal for feelings of retribution to flare within us when slurs or hurts of any kind become arrows hurled at us by our enemies.

We value our good name and when we perceive that it has been sullied by the missiles of lies and slander that cruel people use as weapons to destroy us, it is virtually impossible to simply allow it. Yet, in Luke 6:27-35, Jesus presents an entirely different position in the matter.

Here He says, “…Love your enemies; do good to them which hate you; bless them that curse you and pray for them that despitefully use you. If one strikes your right cheek, turn to him your left that he may smite it also. If someone takes your cloak, offer him your coat, too…treat all others as you would like to be treated…for if you love only those who love you, how do you differ from sinners?...Love your enemies, that you may be true children of God…”

In Colossians 3:13, Paul states the concept thusly, “Get along with each other and forgive each other. If someone wrongs you, forgive him because the Lord has forgiven you of all your sins.” Jesus is not asking us to do anything He has not done Himself. He isn’t vindictive against those who crucified Him. He forgives them and receives them as blood-bought children if they will but claim the grace He’s extending to them.