It is often the case with the corrupt nature of mankind, that when the Lord gives a blessing to His people, evil people will try to take it from them by force for their own gain and pleasure. While we are instructed to turn the other cheek out of humility and acknowledgement that we, too, at times have sinned and hurt others and needed forgiveness, rest assured He sees all and keeps account, and while He is willing to forgive all who will admit their wrong and turn away from it and towards Him, those who continue on in it without remorse or repentance will eventually be dealt with.
Imagine what will happen to the pride of all those who say in their heart and to the world that they don’t need God, when God finally comes around and says, “Fine, if you don’t need me, then I guess I don’t need to keep the sun and the stars shining for you.” These are not people living quiet, humble lives who are just confused or miseducated about God. These are people forcefully taking the things of God from others instead of wanting to submit themselves to a pleasing relationship with Him to qualify for receiving those blessings themselves. Whether it happens by outright violence, manipulative economic or social pressures, misused authority, or even majority-vote legislation, it’s still a great offense to God that will bring consequences if it’s not repented from and made right.
So for those who are struggling with oppression and injustice and finding it hard to continue in turning the other cheek, remember that anything man takes away from you God can always restore, but those who, by their actions, separate themselves from the love and mercy of God will find no restoration or sustenance for their souls in either this world or the world to come. And that’s why we should pray for those who despitefully use us, even when our heart’s desire may not be to really want to. In God’s sight, the ultimate victims of such people’s actions are really themselves rather than us.
“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offenses! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” — Matthew 18:3-7
“So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with the waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim.” — Joel 3:17-19
Amen. Great message today. Thanks for writing and sharing it. I look forward to reading them. I’m sharing your link to my FB wall. I have some contacts there that will really like this. Really good piece.
Excellent message and you did a good job sharing it. Thankyou.
Ophira, we owe it a duty to share the word of God as He reveals to us in our devotion. Thank you
Very true.
I am a nice guy and get used a lot.
Thanks okay because I do it in the service of Christ so know He will reward me.
As for the abusers who refuse to repent I walk away from them and leave it in Jesus’ hands.
Very good article.
God bless you