Reacting to Others

I would like to talk to you today about

reacting to others. Instead of acting, we react.

We react to bad drivers on the road, we react

to the time of day, or the way our children are

acting. Jesus gave rules for three areas of

reacting: He said, “If any man slaps you on

the cheek, turn to him the other also. If any

man takes your shirt, let him have your coat,

and whosoever will force you to go one mile,

go with him two.”

Being slapped on your right cheek, having

your shirt taken away, and being forced to go

the first mile are all men’s reactions. Jesus

instructed the believer not to have a get-even

attitude. Be willing to give up your rights.

Pride, possessions, and even your own

desires might be lost in the battle, but you

will be victorious through Christ.

Robert E. Lee, the great southern general,

was asked by his commander for Lee’s

opinion of a fellow officer. Lee praised the

officer for all his military abilities. A soldier

standing nearby, later, asked the general if he

was aware that the officer whom he praised

so highly had always done his best to belittle

and discredit the General. Lee replied, ‘Sir,

the Commander has asked my opinion of

him, not his of me.” When our reactions are

controlled by the Holy Spirit, then problems

will be solved.

Father, help me today to react on a level

higher than human levels.

Amen.