29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
Exodus 15:26 He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."
Thoughts: Jesus was talking about sacrifice. It is a healing thing to sacrifice revenge and grudges, and bitterness. Things and pride mean little in the face of eternity. In the end it is not how much you got (the most toys win), but how much you have given. Jesus showed that in the way he lived. He had not palace, not even a home of his own. He was able to turn the suffering of the cross into the resurrection. The second verse here is a reminder that there is healing also from listening to God and His Word. The people found bitter water , and could not drink, but God said, “I am the Lord who heals you” and turned the bitter water into drinkable water. This is what God can do for us- turn our bitterness into health. Turning the cheek leaves healing with God and goes the extra mile, separating us from the world that wants and eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
Prayer: Lord, give me grace to be a giver as you gave yourself for me. Turn any bitterness in my life into health and wholeness.
Today our church hosts Trinity Presbytery's stated meeting.
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