QUESTION FOR THE COMMENTS: Of the four illustrations: Turn the cheek, give more than required, go the extra mile, don't turn from the one who asks) which one is most difficult for you?

@beanfeld

4 ай бұрын

Turn the other cheek.

@ericacollingwood8264

4 ай бұрын

Yup me too, turn the other cheek. Thanks for this great question.

Because we live in the kingdom, we have many more responses available to us. We are rich in possibilities because of how much we’ve been given. I’ll not soon forget this great teaching.

Turn the cheek is the challenging one. Some people go for the jugular. Some do it very passive. The outcome is the same. Your dinged and hurt. This is where the practice of forgiveness takes over. Still a work in progress here.

Giving more than required, going the extra mile is something I have been able to do under God's grace and only that. I have been able to love and generously care for loved ones I have held deep resentments towards, that without God's grace, I know I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise.

To will the good for the other. So grateful for Dallas Willard’s clarification of love! Now, with the help of God’s Spirit in both understanding and applying this definition of love, I am helped so much to see these Jesus statements not as laws but as a different, alternative, more effective ways to approach difficult encounters - no longer needing to be ultimately concerned about *me* (the bedrock general prevailing assumption) but can now, realizing God’s care for me, think more creatively about how can I respond that will better express the desire for the good of the other. Tough to live, but far, far more restorative and redemptive for everyone concerned.

Living in the kingdom, not an easy way, but so rewarding.

So helpful. Jesus wanted us to LOVE everyone and sometimes love says no. Jesus said no to people. He always did and said what was best for the person, even if they didn’t like it. ❤

Thanks John for helping us see these NOT as new laws but creative alternatives that help us get to the heart motives ❤ Looking people in the eye is so powerful...most people are so trained to screens now... Looking people in the eyes with compassion and curiosity - powerful for the Kingdom of God ❤

Thanks, John, for bringing clarity to turning the other cheek, getting sued, carrying others' burdens, and giving to others when asked. Applying the Golden Rule and creative alternatives to those situations has to come from the heart. That is the only way to live in the Kingdom.

In some ways, it would be easier to follow these rules, then to see the truth of my heart, and it’s constant need of guarding

From Numbers 6:24-26 - "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." This Priestly Prayer was given by the Lord to Moses to teach to all of Aaron's sons. The most wonderful part of the above prayer and hardest one to do (for me) is to look into a person's eyes. The eyes are the light of the Soul, the most personal and private area to be shared... but the most powerful (I think).

Jesus IS the smartest man that ever lived and I really should heed His advice. John, thank you for looking me straight in the eyes and lovingly compel me to deeply consider the words of Christ and live the Golden Rule out daily. Your talks are so helpful to me!

Love this reminder that connection is true to eye

As Bible reminds us that the road to the kingdom is narrow and not a broadway. Going the extra mile takes place on that narrow road where there is less traffic. Jesus is reminding us although the world is enticing you to go the broadway, chose the opposite and take that extra mile on the narrow way. John, thanks as always for the clarity on this wonderful passage.

I loved your teaching on this!Thank you!

I tend to be quite protective of my resources - time, energy, money etc - so giving more than required and going the extra mile are both quite challenging for me.

God blessed my momma with generosity from the heart. God also blessed me as her child with that same heart. Much to my husband's dismay 😂. 🙏🏻🕊

Definitely the hardest one for me is to give more than required. Perhaps that's an artifact of barely having enough for most of my life, but that would make me think I'd be MORE willing to give extra as I know how beneficial it is. My husband does an excellent job of showing me what generosity looks like.

I'm convicted of the not looking when someone wants to cut in front of me.

Such a thought provoking and challenging devotional Thank you!

Great insights

Such a great message. Thank you.

@BecomeNew

2 күн бұрын

Thank you for watching, Colette! Rob

A while ago a priest friend of mine told me that the saying, “ Turn the other cheek,” meant that in those days people only used their RIGHT hand to slap someone. The Left hand was used for unclean things/reasons. Therefore, if you turned the other cheek, it would be very difficult for that person to slap you again. Try it and you’ll see how difficult it is. Now that is just one possibility. It has helped me throughout the years.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Wow, I find all 4 of these points equally difficult! Thank you for giving us a new way to consider them.

Love that book’ How Green was my Valley’

Thank you, John, for explaining these because I never fully understood what they meant. I love learning from you!

Thank you John. A beautiful,clear explanation of these somewhat confusing scriptures. A love the phrase "a creative alternative" as it forces me to think and process differently these words as I apply them to my life. With gratitude.

Thanks John for clarifying these points. I've not been very clear on their meaning before.

When I have extra time, what if I asked Jesus : is there anyone that You want me to contact now? By text , phone, etc. I feel that is an example He gives me of “to go the extra mile.” It is difficult for me to do that when I would rather do solitaire on my IPad. 😒

Another great message❤

I remember the “church” situation when John suggested we put this passage to use. Made a profound impact on me.

So helpful. Always wondered about this passage.

Thanks for the answer I was looking for.

Great message!

❤

I have another take that turning the other cheek is to "declare yourself, defiantly, to be your striker's equal." Is there any merit to that? How could it be verified? Thanks so much, and God bless you!

❤