Wednesday, May 30, 2018

May 31, 2018 - TURN THE OTHER CHEEK


Day 151 - (Today’s Bible readings: Leviticus 16:20-34; Psalm 120; 1 Corinthians 8)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”  (Matthew 5:38-39 ESV) 

What is the natural response to being slapped in the face? We want to slap the other person back. However, Jesus has a far better response. “But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”  

Responding in such a calm way to a physical slap is difficult. However, responding calmly to a verbal slab can be even more of challenge. We find this advice in Proverbs: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 ESV) 

May the Lord bless you with His strength so that you can resist the temptation to return slap for slap and slur for slur. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

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