The Best Defense

Your head cannot believe or doubt: that is a matter of the heart. And if you're not walking in love, then everything within and without you will be different. As for you, if you continually repent of the same thing, there is better than an even chance you really did not repent all those other times. To repent is to think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct.

In your dealings with others you have a choice, no matter what you have experienced: you can approach others with genuine, sincere love, or you can be meaner in spirit than a badger and lower than a snake.

When you have, shall we say less than pleasant feelings rise up "on your sleeve," just brush them off. It doesn't hurt to even do it physically as a reminder to yourself. "What, you may ask, turn the other cheek? That's not human nature-- it isn't natural!" Very true, but it IS godly.

Your reaction WILL have an impact on the offending person, whether you see it right away or not. Regardless of what you may think that other person "deserves," what he or she really needs is a daily walk with Jesus as Savior and Lord over their life.

"You have heard that it has been said, 'an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth': but I say unto you, that you resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloke also. And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two. Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not away." "You have heard that it hash been said, 'you shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you..." ~ Matthew 5:38-44

Is it easy to walk in the footsteps of the Lord? Nope. That is why the job is given to believing followers of Jesus the Anointed One, the Messiah.

"Love is never tired of waiting; love is kind; love has no envy; love has no high opinion of itself, love has no pride; love's ways are ever fair, it takes no thought for itself; it is not quickly made angry, it takes no account of evil; it takes no pleasure in wrongdoing, but has joy in what is true; love has the power of undergoing all things, having faith in all things, hoping all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 BBE