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Salt and Light

Proverbs 20:3 NIV

By April 20, 2021No Comments

“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” 

I was recently with some guys who liked to talk about the fights they had been involved in. No it wasn’t a group of deacons. It struck me as intriguing too hear a sense of pride not in how the fights turned out but the simple fact that they were determined not to be wronged. I expect those people to realize the value of this verse not that I expect they actually read the Bible. However, what does this verse mean to those who find strife and quarrels pursuing them. Sometimes in life you might want to live in harmony with others only to find yourself being aggressively pursued by another. Lawsuits, divorces, baseless neighbor complaints and innumerable other things can become weapons against the most peace loving among us. The idea of a willingness to be wronged or losing regardless of being in the right is a difficult yet powerful concept. Jesus calls it ‘turning the other cheek’. Jesus didn’t just tell us how to offer up our suffering innocently at the guilty hands of another, He modeled it to the point of facing false accusations, a sound beating, mockery in front of His friends, family and the entire community and then death. We all cheer on our saviors example knowing He handled it rightly and perfectly. However, we are a bit slower to embrace the same practice when it comes to our story. It’s hard for sure. It takes great practice and may cost painful tears and a bit of reputation. Today follow our saviors example and be willing to be the worlds shock absorber. #BeTheEdge

“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” Jesus