When a crowd is coming at you with their swords, what do you do? Peter said, “Grab your own sword”. Jesus said, “Put it up. Those who live by weapons die by weapons.” Peter’s violent desires were confronted by Jesus’ non-violence. (Matthew 26:47a, 50b-52). There would be no retaliation, vengeance or killing in Jesus’ name. The world says, give it back to them in the same way they give it to you. If they hit you, then hit them harder. If their words cut, make yours cut deeper. We can fail to save our enemies because of the way we choose to talk to them. Jesus’ response teaches us to give them the same grace the Father has given us. Why do we keep backsliding into the world’s way of reacting?
Lord Jesus, I find it too easy to let my anger arise against people and wish that they would get their just due. Lord, thank you for giving me grace when I did not deserve it. May I never forget that fact when others need grace. Let this govern my actions and reactions toward all. Amen!
