You’re Killing Me

I was asked to do something thoughtful for an enemy.  Granted, the person doing the asking didn’t realize the would-be recipient is antagonistic toward my family.  What goes through your mind in a situation like that?  I’ll tell you what went through mine.  You’ve got to be kidding me.  No way!  I can’t do it.  Even if I could, it wouldn’t be sincere.  You have no idea what that person has put me through, and now I’M the one who has to be nice?  Does that seem fair?  You’re killing me.  And on and on my thoughts went.  By the time my mental rant was over, I’d done a nice job of convincing myself that the person wouldn’t welcome a thoughtful gesture from me anyway.  I patted myself on the back for having never retaliated (hello, Pride), and justified my choice to simply avoid the enemy.  What more could anyone ask?

“But I say to you who hear, LOVE your enemies, DO GOOD to those who hate you, BLESS those who curse you, and PRAY for those who spitefully use you.  To him who strikes you on the one cheek, OFFER the other also.  And from him who takes away your cloak, DO NOT WITHHOLD your tunic either.  GIVE to everyone who asks of you” (Luke 6:27-30).

Jesus asked for more.  I have to acknowledge that my avoid-at-all-costs plan isn’t good enough.  Okay, it’s not even good.  Avoiding doesn’t love, do good, give, or any of those other commands I decided I’d better circle in the text.  Jesus went on to say,”But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them” (v. 32).  By withholding love and goodness, I act like the world.  Still, it seems a bit much to ask.  Until I remember…

“Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him.  And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands.  And [Pilate] delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.  They twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head.  They struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him.  Those who passed by blasphemed Him.  Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him” (Mark 14).

And He was completely innocent.  He never entertained an unkind thought.  He didn’t deserve such horrible treatment.  What went through His mind as He faced His antagonists, knowing He was on the cross for them?  “You’re killing Me”?  No.  Jesus demonstrated the very attitude He requires of us.  We know exactly what went through His mind.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Prayer for Today:  Humble me, Lord.  In my thoughts, attitude, and intentions, give me a heart like Your Son’s.

 

hugs

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Author: Kathy Pollard

I'm a Christian woman, happily married to my best friend, Neal. We have 3 grown sons, Gary, Dale, and Carl, and 3 sweet daughters-in-law, Chelsea, Janelle, and Emily. Neal preaches for the Lehman Ave. church of Christ in Bowling Green, KY. We love the Lord and His church!

30 thoughts on “You’re Killing Me”

  3. You really set me straight for I had just told myself that I would not be unkind to someone but would not go out of my way to be near this person. Your words ,are me realize I could not do that. Thanks for the timely article

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  8. Thank you, I needed your message in a couple… maybe more areas of my life. I am disabled and in a great deal of pain from a recent fall. Thus I have been short sited. I’ll pray tonight for forgiveness. My thanks again Sister for writing what was on your heart….as it hit me squarely.

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  11. Oh Kathy! This was wonderful and I so needed this! I do love people, but truly, sometimes I walk away feeling like I just can’t take any more “critiques” and that my cheeks have been smacked more times than a racquetball on a really small court. It is a true struggle and I ask the Lord’s forgiveness ALL the time for it…it’s so hard to be a human, but it’s a true bit of encouragement to know other Christians have to fight the urge to “smack back.” The Devil sure does know how to get to us. Thanks so much for the post!!!

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    1. Thank you for sharing those thoughts! I’ll be praying that your cheeks will receive more kisses than smacks. 🙂 You’re right; Satan wants us to be world-like instead of Christ-like. Thank you!

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  13. Great article and biblical words of truth. I have to remind myself to always look at people and see them at God’s children and His living souls who need our love, kindness, and tolerance; to bear one another’s burdens. It is hard to do sometimes but we must remember that we are all God’s children whether we have obeyed or not……Thank you for sharing!

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  15. Thank you so much Kathy! A great article and much needed as well. Thank you for taking the time to wright this. Love you.

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