TURN THE OTHER CHEEK

The two oldest grands here in Fort Worth are 4 1/2 and 3.  The action has intensified around here in recent weeks.  It came with the youngest learning the art of retaliation.  If the oldest provokes the youngest, it often now results in the youngest coming out swinging.  Where did he learn that? Previously he would collapse in a heap sobbing, things have changed!  I am talking about hands curled in fists and swinging.  Thankfully he is not old enough to understand how to really hit hard, but the oldest dissolves into tears when he is counter-attacked.  It seems fine that he has hit brother or taken his toy away--or whatever, but when little brother comes out swinging, I think he is more shocked than anything else.





I spoke with a dear Sister recently about her desire to retaliate toward one that has deeply hurt her chick.  If you want to see a MAD chicken, just let someone/something attack her chick.  BEWARE of MAD CHICKENS!  We talked through just what I wrote about in the book, we are NOT the judge.  Every human instinct wants to protect our dear ones--and we do not want to see them suffering and in pain-we want to do our own brand of counter-attack toward the pain-giver. I had to do a LOT of talking to help her understand what would NOT be accomplished by an attack.  More harm than good as the old saying goes.  I must admit, I am MUCH more prone to lose it when my chicks are attacked---difficult to step away!




We ALL suffer attacks of some shape or form at some point in our lives.  God tells us to turn the other cheek.  Most of the time I am shocked--just like brother--when someone attacks me.  Left with a questioning heart as to what I have done to provoke the attack?  The next instinct is to counter-attack--that would lead to a spitting war.  NO ONE ever wins a spitting war---both sides come out with spit all over them.  I learned a LONG time ago to back away and take a deep breath--then measure my words if I respond.  A word said is a word played and they cannot be taken back.  The harm has been done and you may be forgiven--but the destruction may be permanent. 





The Word tells us "Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism."  God is a just and righteous judge and He can be trusted.  The problem arises with our lack of trust that He will do just what He has promised.  Our need for control surfaces its ugly head once again. God love us ALL--the attacker and counter-attacker.  Back up---and step away--far away--and have faith that God is your strong protector.  Turn the other cheek-trusting His word and purpose will be for your good and His glory-- and always remember if you are in His will--He is using you for His good glory through it all.




BECAUSE I am thankful for the blessing of family,
I cooked dinner for the Fort Wort Family
And surprised them--out of the blue. MY PLAN
Today-He chose to not use me in HIS PLAN--to my knowledge.


“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either."
Luke 6:27-29

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