This post is Day 25 in a series of studies about “A Living Sacrifice”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

A Living Sacrifice – Day 25

This is one of the hardest things to teach our children. I have yet to meet a young child who, if another child kicks them, will not kick back! The response is natural and quick! But Paul is telling us to refuse to respond in the way of the world.

Romans 12:17

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

The Thought

This is one of the hardest things to teach our children. I have yet to meet a young child who, if another child kicks them, will not kick back! The response is natural and quick!

But Paul is telling us to refuse to respond in that way; the way of the world.

Paul is just re-iterating what Jesus had already said.

In His sermon on the mount Jesus tried to persuade His listeners to change much of their lifestyle. A message for those who were there at the time as well as those of us who are His listeners today.

Matthew 5:38-42You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ but I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

In a different gospel Luke adds to all that “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Jesus set the perfect example for us in going to the cross in order to save those who murdered Him. That was prophesied in Isaiah 50:6 where we read: I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.

Action

Read those verses above from Matthew 5 slowly and pray for God’s help in responding to those who don’t like you, and towards those who are just having a bad day.