Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
Thought: How mature are you? Do you have habits in your life that express your growth not only as a person but as a Christian?
The sermon on the mount is powerful. Jesus teaches all those who would wander up the mountain to sit at his feet for 3 chapters in Matthew. He challenges the attitude and actions of those that believe the Word of God. Jesus deals with the root of problems and expounds not only the Word of God from the law but the spirit of that law. The end of the first chapter of this sermon is about maturity. That maturity is epitomized with the strength of our actions. Through these actions we can become “perfect” like God is perfect. This perfection is a completion and a maturity. It is an
attribute that is fruitful. It is a result that is rewarding.
What is the context of these actions that show and generate maturity? They are in a time when Israel was under stress and persecution. The smack on the right cheek indicating a backhanded insult, being sued in a court of law for your coat expressing a pettiness, then being compelled to go a mile attributed to the Roman soldiers humiliating the Jewish people. These actions are the petty, the insulting, and the despiteful attacks we experience every day as Christians.
Young person: do you seek to be mature? Here are three actions you can add to your Christianity that although they may at first seem to benefit other people – they actually benefit you.
1. Forgiveness – Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
The first action towards others is an attitude of forgiveness. This is not forgiveness you have to announce but the kind that you give to a child when they bump into you. Being smitten on the right cheek was an insult. It was done to make you react or retaliate. Do not feel the need to respond to every insult. People who insult others are small people. Proverbs 19:11 tells us “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”
What does this do for you? It frees you from bitterness. To forgive, without prompting, and pass over an insult means you are free from obligation. You do not have to answer. Your moving past the transgression will become your glory.
2. Generosity – Acts 20:35 “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
The first thought I have when I see the statement “if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat” is “they must be really petty.” People are naturally prideful and selfish. The action in response when someone pursues you for a perceived wrong is to be generous. Give them a coat and a cloak instead of just the coat.
What does this do for you? It leaves a proper testimony and no ability for your adversary to come against you. I was once approached by someone who brought up a problem from the past. They wanted to use it against me. “Remember when you did this?” So, I responded, “What more do you want me to do? I apologized, I wrote a letter of apology, and I asked afterwards if there was anything else that should be done to
make things right.” The answer to my question was silence. Being generous puts you in control of your testimony.
3. Service
I find in the Bible 1,257 references to service. Jesus tells these disciples if someone asks for help for 1 mile to give them help for 2. A soldier trying to humiliate a Jewish citizen asking them to carry their pack.
What does our service in the face of oppression do for us? It is kindness at its best. Going the 2nd mile is genuinely helping others. It teaches thankfulness to your heart and communicates graciousness to those we are serving. These three actions are a sign of maturity. They also grow out maturity. Those that dislike, hate, and have evil thoughts towards us are plenty. These cases of insults, petty behavior, and attempted humiliation are an opportunity for us to grow and lay up treasures in heaven.
Jesse Mccammon | Pastor
Flora Calvary Baptist Church | Flora, IL
