It’s amazing how common a messy divorce is today. So many who took vows for better or worse wind up in financial devastation, legal battles, and child custody wars, leaving those involved with a deep sense of bitterness and mistrust. As Christ-followers, we often wind up in a mess just like this. Sometimes we feel like we’re being attacked, as if everyone is against us. But as Christians we have the opportunity to choose how we will respond to those who attack us.

When our character, our actions, or our intentions are challenged or judged, our flesh wants to judge back or return the punch with added force. Jesus knew this and told us that the way to peace is to act counter-intuitively. This would mean that we forgive 70x7, pray for our enemies, do good to those who take advantage of us, respond to evil with good, turn the other cheek… you get the point. Because this is not a natural or even fair response, we must re-program and renew our minds to respond in a new way.

Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:43 - 48,“You have heard that it was said: ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’. But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Clearly this is not easy. Yet it is what Jesus requires of us. One of the ways we can learn to do this is by speaking and praying this into existence. I often write in my journal positive affirmations taken from Scripture and pray them.Here is one example:

Over the future years I will have many opportunities to be misquoted, lied about, misunderstood, abandoned, and judged. Therefore, I choose to respond with grace, civility, and understanding. It is my hope that by responding with a Christ-like manner, people will see Christ and not an adversary. I practice turning the other cheek. I respond with soft answers and I turn wrath away because I’m a peacemaker. I’m a forgiver that separates one’s behavior from their person and character. I find the good in those who accuse me and find truth in those that find error in my ways. I trust that God will always redeem me, restore me, and revive my reputation. I live out my faith by forgiving my enemies, praying for those who speak against me, and I do good to those who take advantage of me. I speak well of everyone I meet. I only respond with life words when being attacked. I’d rather be kind than right. Life and people may not treat me fair, but I will be fair and just towards everyone. I live free of bitterness, anxiety, and anger. No one can take me off-center. No one can flip my switch or ruin my day. I never respond sideways or rudely. I am a child of God. I live with patience, love, and joy.

Maybe you have a brutal relationship battle going on. Maybe the circumstances of life have caused your attitude slant downward. This happens to the best of us. But Jesus wants to renew our minds. Try meditating on a prayer like this. Speak it out-loud, and don’t wait for a conflict before you do it. Begin to speak life over your situation, and just wait and see what God does in and through you!



Blessings,
Pastor Steve