爱超越一切权利Choosing Love over Rights

Choosing Love over Rights

Matthew 5:38-48

Eye for Eye 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’  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. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who pers

ecute you, 45 that you may be children 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. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly FATHER is perfect.

Dear Brothers and Sisters.

We talk a lot about rights these days. Yet the attention given to human entitlements hasn’t brought about corporate or personal freedom. Instead, most people are prisoners of jealousy (you have greater rights than I do!), greed (I deserve more!), or bitterness (my rights have been violated!).

Instead of focusing on the privileges due us, we should take the biblical perspective of loving enemies and forgiving persecutors (Matt. 5: 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you). True believers lay down their rights so they can take up the cause of a holy kingdom. That doesn’t mean that we let people trample on us. Rather, we offer a proper response according to biblical principles. In short, true believers should be more concerned about showing GOD’s love to those who do wrong than about demanding their rights.

Maybe you’re thinking, But he doesn’t know how I’ve been mistreated. Indeed I do not. But what I do know is how JESUS CHRIST, our example, reacted to terrible abuse. HE was betrayed by HIS friends, persecuted by HIS people, condemned by HIS peers, and crucified for our sins. Yet HE said, “FATHER, forgive them” (Luke 23: 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” . . . . . . . ).

Before assuming that JESUS’ capacity for forgiveness and love is out of reach for mere human beings, remember: HIS SPIRIT dwells in all true believers. We can choose to give away our earthly rights and let GOD’s love work through us.

Luke 6:29 says to turn the other cheek and give up more than is asked (Luke 6: 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.) because expressing love outweighs exerting our rights. You can’t lose when you show others the boundless care of the LORD our GOD. You gain HIS blessing, and, hopefully, someone will be saved because of your godly examples.