Scriptures
Matthew 18:9,10
Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Colossians 3:12-13
Thought for Today
The Bible instructs us to put on traits like kindness and tender mercies each day. On an average day, it is pretty easy to stay calm and pleasant. But the true test of obedience is when we encounter a stressful situation or an angry individual. The Word tells us to be gentle toward all man (whether agreeable or angry). How is it possible to maintain a meek and mild spirit when you or someone you love is attacked?
This was probably the question the Apostle Peter asked on the night of Jesus’ betrayal. Naturally, emotions were running high among His disciples. Peter could not contain his anger when they came to arrest the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane. He drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s soldier. Immediately, Jesus healed the wounded man who was sent there to do him harm.
What Jesus said next helps answer the question at the end of the first paragraph. Jesus told Peter to put his sword away and asked him, “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me”? The Lord knew that His disciples loved Him. Jesus certainly loved His disciples even more. But he would not allow the love that Peter had for him to disrupt what He was sent on earth to do (Matthew 18:10).
Jesus knew all things which lay ahead of Him but was determined to do the will of His Father. He would not shortcut the process to avoid the agony ahead. Neither would he allow God’s perfect plan to be contaminated by an act of violence from one of His own. To allow this would taint His message and give His enemies an opportunity to reproach His name and those of the disciples after His death.
There is no question that you will be tempted to engage in retaliatory conduct or speech. Second Timothy 3:1-5 says that in the last days, men and women would love themselves, have no natural affection, and engage in fierce behavior.
Keeping composed under fire is by no means easy. But, like Jesus, our goal is to stay on task and focus on pleasing God, who knows these things will happen. The Lord told Jesus to put away his weapon. Likewise, we must strive to put away (resist) anger when we are offended (Ephesians 4:31). Our life belongs to Christ; we do not want to blemish our Christian witness. If Jesus Christ Himself was under the authority of the will and purpose of God, we are even more so as beneficiaries of His sacrifice.
Study the Word to increase your meekness in times of testing. Pray for increased peace in times of turmoil. The Lord God sees and honors your sacrificial obedience to Him (Hebrews 6:10) and will reward you greatly.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
-Romans 12:21
It’s Time to Pray
Lord God, thank you for Your marvelous light in the darkness of this world. Thank you for victory over unkindness that may come against us. We ask You help us to forgive them as You have forgiven us. In the name of Jesus. Amen
