An Eye for an Eye

Leaving the Grandstand World

I begin with a hymn made into a poem and narrated by me entitled, "Love Lifted Me." Next I share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, entitled, "An Eye for an Eye." Lastly I share another hymn as a poem, "I Love to Tell the Story."
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Jesus said to go against the grain of humanity's obsession to return evil for evil. He didn't say to ignore those who do evil to us (which would be the next step down from an attitude of vengefulness), but He said to actually love them. Love them? How?

Being a Christian is not an easy task. It is not easy precisely because we aren't that much involved in the process. It is most difficult for us to ease off on our obsession to be in charge in all our affairs. All Christ asks of us is that we humbly submit our lives totally to Him, our Lord and Savior and allow Him to make the changes within us and in our lives. We are not expected to be wizards or magicians, able to make a potion to drink or shout "abracadabra" and, voila, instantly be able to love the unlovable. What is so difficult to remember is that we are not in charge of our "growth," we are only in charge of when we are going to allow Him to change us from the inside out. If we have a prideful heart, and insist on doing it ourselves, we are going to desecrate the process and feel a sense of failure brought on by our inability to reach our goal of loving those who don't appear to deserve our love. Our humble heart is the only way to be successful for it is the humble heart, in Christ, that, through Him, can accomplish the impossible.

We've got to let Christ take our burdens and trust Him to heal ANY circumstances we may find ourselves in. If we lack the understanding that with God all things are possible, we could easily detour onto a fruitless road of trying to handle everything ourselves. In addition, if we think that with God, all things are possible, but use this knowledge for self-gain, we will find ourselves caught up in worthless goals toward worldly gain which, though possible with God, they are far from satisfying. The key here is in focusing on God's goals, which are stated quite clearly in the Bible, and know, beyond a doubt that with God these goals can be accomplished. Then we unleash the almighty power of our living God toward His clearly stated goals.

Do not make the mistake in thinking God won't reward you for following Moses' upgraded precepts and laws (now stated by Jesus Christ.) He will reward you abundantly and He will give you signs NOW that you are a true lover of His Son, Jesus Christ, who said, "If you love me, follow my commands." No longer do we seek vengeance against those who have mistreated us, but, with complete submission to Christ, we now offer love. The "eye for an eye" mentality of old must be transformed into an outpouring of Christ's love, which we gladly give to this hurting world.

Take the first step, if you haven't already done so, and humbly pray for the Lord to take your sins away and allow Him residence in your heart. Realize that Jesus died on the cross for you and make Him your most valuable treasure here on earth, as you eagerly follow His commands to love those who are the hardest to love.

Lord, grant me vision beyond the ancient law of "eye for eye and tooth for tooth." Give me a heart like Jesus' who told us to love one another as ourselves and to even go so far as to love our enemies and pray for them. This seems impossible to me, Lord. But I know YOU can. Please, Lord, I submit my heart to You so that You may work Your blessings through me. I will step out in faith as You, dear Lord, make the impossible happen.

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