when you are struck...
don't strike back, take the blow
don't protect yourself, expose yourself
don't lead with justice, lead with mercy
don't retreat into safety, advance into danger
don't retaliate with strength, retaliate with weakness
don't shrink into self-pity, move out into self-giving
don't insist on your rights, open yourself to wrong
don't cower in defeat, hold fast in meekness
don't stand on your dignity, stand on your shame
don't harden into bitterness, soften into tenderness
be defiantly peaceable
be immovably vulnerable
be steafastly gracious
be victoriously wounded
be like Jesus.
Who, when we lashed out at Him...
did not come in violence. nor remain in indifference
did not strike back. nor shrink back
did not retaliate. nor harden
He absorbed the blow
And He turned again to us.
He upheld His offer.
Arms outstretched, even to His killers.
Especially them
Only them
You, even.
There is strength in this weakness.
Strength to redeem the world.
It begins with surrender.
Laying down your arms.
Receiving His peace.
It continues with service.
Following His way.
Absorbing your own blows.
Today. Every day. Turning your cheek.
To this you are called.
To be lower than a door-mat. Far lower.
A door-mat is passive
But you thow yourself under the feet of your enemies.
To be lower than a slave. Far lower.
A slave walks his alotted mile grumbling in his heart.
You walk two miles with a glint in your eyes.
For you know the power of this weakness.
It reconciles the world.
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See also Turning the Other Cheek in the OT and Cheek Turning 101
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Love this!
Beautiful
Thank You Glen,
I hope I never forget.
Craig