10.13.19 When You Want to Hit Back

JUST GET EVEN …

Our Natural, Default Mechanism: Retaliation and Revenge

Txt of Matthew 5:38


lex talonis


A BETTER PATHWAY OUT OF THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF REVENGE

Txt of Mathew 5:39-42

Four Mini-Illustrations

. a slap on the right cheek:
. legal action to size your stuff:
. political action to commandeer you: an illustration of violation of freedom
. giving to those in poverty, tough situations: an illustration of personal inconvenience


The Point: Do the Polar Opposite of Retaliation

Don’t get mad … Don’t get even … Don’t go passive (non-resistance) … Do unexpected good


EXTENDING THE APPROACH

Txt of Matthew 5:43-48

Extend Graduate Level Love vs. First Grade Love


THE EFFECT

Breaks cycles of violence
Sucks the power out of evil
Unmasks and exposes evil
Can catalyze conviction =/ repentance in the perpetrator


SUGGESTIONS ON LIVING IT OUT
. Make a Proactive Decision
. Explore creative options/solutions
. Literally pray for your enemies
. Redirect my primal drive to fight
. Reach out to offenders in practical, life-giving ways
. Cut yourself some slack
. Live for the end game


LIFE IS TOO SHORT