The Defense Rests

Sometimes, I wonder if God really means what He says. Like the verse about turning the other cheek, “But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:39 NIV)

Really? I’ve struggled with this one for years, but I think I’ve finally got it.

I firmly believe that as a believer, I am to defend others: the weak, oppressed, needy. However, when it comes to defending myself, I am told to step aside and let God handle it.

Look at Romans 12:17-19, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. . . Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

This one’s tough.

Letting God handle it.

I mean, I know He’s got quite the arsenal—famine, plague, war—but.

But He has boatloads of love, mercy, and forgiveness, too.

How do I know they will get what’s coming to them? Because something within me wants justice.

For Voldemort to get blasted by Harry Potter.

For the murderer to sit on death row.

For the one who hurt me to pay.

I have no trouble defending a friend, family member, or the kid getting picked on coming home from school.

But my favorite person to defend—is me.

Do I trust God enough to let the defense rest? The self-defense.

Questions:

What causes you to come to another’s defense?

What things offend you?

How do you respond when someone offends you?

Do/Did your parents care when someone hurt or offended you? Why?

Does God care when someone hurts or offends you? Why?

Tweetables:

I firmly believe that as a believer, I am to defend others: the weak, oppressed, needy. Click To Tweet
When it comes to defending myself, I am told to step aside and let God handle it. Click To Tweet
I have no trouble defending a friend, family member, or the kid getting picked on coming home from school. But my favorite person to defend—is me. Click To Tweet
Do I trust God enough to let the defense rest? The self-defense. Click To Tweet

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