Turn the other cheek?

Conflict. Oh how I loath this word! It's something that terrifies me; makes me want to lock myself in my house and close all of the shades.

When someone tried to contact me to question my blog, I just knew the time had finally come when my straightforward opinions, and the truth of God's word had set another person off.

When my instructor mentions the idea of evolution, or other religions that are so different, standing up next to the bible, and words seemingly blurt out of my mouth all on their own. Because someone has just disrespected the person who died for me. Who died for all of those who disrespect Him.

Conflict has just taken flight and my heart sinks. I don't do well with this word. It literally makes my tummy hurt! Call me a wuss? You bet I am!

I wasn't always like this. As soon as I had learned God's truth, I thought it was so awesome that I couldn't wait for the rest of the world to hear this great news! It wasn't a matter of changing lives for me, it was more of an awareness thing. I thought for sure that if someone was not a believer of Christ, it was only because they didn't comprehend the full extent His glory. So I was ready to help every person I could become exposed to the greatest thing that has ever happened on this Earth: Christ's death and resurrection.

As it turns out, awareness is not the issue. There are many people who are well aware. Trust me! When I saw the rejection again and again, I just knew that person had to be an idiot.

Why would you not want this in your life?  I just showed you just pretty incredible scientific evidence that shuts down any idea that this is bogus. The only other explanation is that you must be stupid. Wow. I'm sorry.

Yes, this was my thought process at just 16 years of age. My excitement and then puzzlement left a lot of people turned off. Can you imagine? I embraced conflict. Not that this was my intent. I just had a lot to learn being a new believer! 

Now here I am at 23 and want to avoid all of what is stated above. I've learned lately that my "avoidance" of conflict is actually biblical. Because the issue is not totally being avoided, it's actually being processed.

There have been several instances in the last couple of years where I have encountered friction with other people. If you haven't found out for yourself yet, anytime there is a big event, exciting or tragic, someone's feelings are going to get hurt. Even during my diagnosis and treatments, there were loved ones who were not pleased with my decisions or my priorities that I work so hard to keep in order. (That being God and my husband. As for the rest, I'll pray about it!)

Through each event I found myself "shutting down" in a sense. Not giving my time and attention to the conflict because that resistance doesn't help anybody. So why get defensive if it's not going to get you anywhere? You see, this is not something done out of hate or bitterness on my end. When I go home and pray for the situation, I'm actually "shutting down" out of love. (Please note the quotations!)

To others it looks as if I intend to hold a grudge or be unforgiving. Let me make a promise to everyone right now. Anytime you decide to withhold forgiveness, you're hurting yourself far more than the other person. I don't want all of that hate in my heart. It doesn't feel good and like I said before, it makes my tummy hurt!

One day it hit me. "Turn the other cheek!" I was stuck in pure amazement the first time I read that verse.

"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." Matthew 5:39

It's genius! It takes killing with kindness to an entirely new level! Could you imagine someone's reaction if they slapped you and you kindly responded, "here do the other one too"!? Genius! I was finally reminded of this when I was trying desperately to figure out my approach to conflict.

Turning the other cheek is not instructing you to walk away from the situation writing it off completely, nor does it mean to let someone walk all over you. It's intent is to give the person over to their selfish desires which takes away their control over you. It puts them in a position where they are able reflect on their actions.

And don't be fooled. If you choose to use this for any other reason but love, than you're missing the entire point. So please don't get the idea that revenge is something I look to get out of this.

"Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord." Romans 12:9

Our desire as Christians should be to bring others to Christ. We should want others to repent from their wrongdoings and accept God's grace. You're prayer should be for your enemie's ultimate outcome to be a relationship with  our Heavenly Father.

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," Matthew 5:44

Here is a video that helped me understand the meaning behind Matthew 5:39. It's very silly but breaks it down well!

God bless :)

What "Turn the other Cheek" really means!!: http://youtu.be/s-_GjIBskYQ