When people hurt us….well, it hurts! (I know, super profound there, huh?)
But no, seriously, when people hurt us, it can cause us to lose ourselves for a little bit. We become down and depressed a little, maybe even angry. We sometimes lash out at the person, giving them an earful. (I know I’ve been guilty of this in times past.)
My church has been hurt lately. And there are people who are making sure we know it. It has caused a great deal of discouragement and a little righteous anger, if I’m being honest. These people don’t seem to realize just how badly it hurts! The negativity they are spreading on social media…..it’s just downright mean!
The human nature in me wants to lash out, to yell, to scream, to retaliate. That’s what Satan wants me to do.
But I’m going to turn the other cheek. In Matthew 5:38-40, it says:
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a]39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
I don’t understand why this is happening but I do know that God wants me to react in a manner pleasing to Him. He doesn’t want me to give in to my human nature desires.
It’s hard for me, believe me. I am struggling with this very much. I want to comment back so badly. I have so many retorts for them. But this will not please the Lord. He wants me to rise above. And I’m working on it. It seems that just when I’ve reached a point where I think I’m fine then I see other comments made. I actually had a former church member unfriend me and others from our church. It hurt so badly.
It shouldn’t be this way!! But it is.
And I’m turning the other cheek.
All You Need is Jesus 
I did reach out to your pastor but did not hear back. I should have explained how I found out about him. I also tried to connect on Facebook. I didn’t realize this church is not from from where I grew up. I am praying for him and the ministry. This is about eternity here.
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Thank you so much for reaching out! And thank you for praying!
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Praying for you to have success in this turning of the other cheek. This cannot be done in the flesh but can only be done in the Spirit who lives within you. God is still good even when the people around us are not. May He bless you and help you. Keep up the good work! Good job not responding. Better to talk about something happy and edifying.
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Sorry to hear this but you’re doing what God his required you to do. I’ve been hurt by a church member this week and the chapter in Luke 20:3 or 4 I think where Jesus told us if our brother/ sister hurt or wronged us to forgive them 7 times. And the Holy Spirit made me remember that verse and trust me it was so hard to forgive within that moment but I did and I just felt His peace & comfort all over me. Thank you Lord! Will be lifting you up in prayers.
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Thank you!
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Welcome.
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You can do it Leah. If we tell the truth all of us humans have a hard time with this. Especially since we want to defend ourselves and others. Be encouraged and know God will help you with this and be sure to walk in forgiveness with those who have hurt you.
Be blessed
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Truth, very hard not to get defensive in trials.
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So true. I have you read Fervent or saw Warroom. Now when I turn the other cheek, I take the battle to my prayer wall. I’m praying for u.
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I’ve never read Fervent but I have seen War Room.
Thanks for the prayers!
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I’m really glad you clung to the teaching of Christ instead of the desire of the flesh. It is hard and tempting to fall. God continue to be with you!
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