Yesterday, I wrote about finding God’s guidance. Today, everything seems even more clear than I expected. The lesson has to do with turning the other cheek and honoring thy mother and father. For the longest time, I wrestled with this one. I really didn’t understand how I could do what was in my best interest and take care of myself and still follow what was in The Bible.
Then, I realized that if I applied God’s greatest commandments, then it worked. It isn’t about letting myself get hurt as much as it is about being loving, patient, and kind towards the people who would want to do me harm. Most of the time, people don’t think that they want to be mean and hurtful toward others, instead they are thinking about themselves, they are angry, hurt, and afraid. These people act out of those emotions, and they end up hurting others around them. If I happen to be one of those people, if I respond in kind then I just perpetuate a vicious cycle of angry and fear that leads nowhere. However, if I respond with love, patience, and kindness, then maybe I can break that cycle. Even if the other person’s behavior doesn’t change, I at least won’t continue the behavior in my own life.
It sort of reminds me of the pandemic. One little virus turned into a global pandemic, and it brought the world to its knees. Anger and fear can be just like a virus. If it enters into someone’s heart, I can’t control that or that person’s behavior, but I can control mine. If someone treats me with anger and fear, then I have a choice, I can treat them with love or I can reflect the same anger and fear. I believe Jesus was trying to say turn the other cheek, respond with love, don’t reflect the anger and fear back.
I don’t think the actions of one woman are going to change the world, but if my example makes a difference and love can infect others like a virus, maybe the peace has a chance.
My faith saved me. May God’s peace reside in all of our hearts.
